AP Psychology Unit 1; 1.1 Interaction of Heredity and Environment

adoption studies

A research method that compares adopted children to their biological and adoptive parents to determine the effects of genes and environment on behavior and mental processes.

environment

External factors that one experiences, such as family interactions or education; also referred to as 'nurture.'

eugenics

A discriminatory application of evolutionary principles that seeks to improve human populations through selective breeding or genetic manipulation.

evolutionary perspective

A theoretical approach that explores how natural selection affects the expression of behavior and mental processes to increase survival and reproductive success.

family studies

A research method that examines similarities in traits and behaviors among family members to determine the effects of heredity and environment.

heredity

Genetic or predisposed characteristics that influence physical, behavioral, and mental traits and processes; also referred to as 'nature.'

natural selection

The process by which traits that increase survival and reproductive success become more common in a population over time.

twin studies

A research method that compares similarities and differences between identical and fraternal twins to determine the effects of genes on behavior and mental processes.