AP Pysch unit 1.1

Psychology

Psychology

the scientific study of behavior and mental processes

nature

the genetic or hereditary influences on an individual's development and behavior, which are inherited from their biological parents.

natural selection

the principle that, among the range of inherited trait variations, those contributing to reproduction and survival will most likely be passed on to succeeding generations

evolutionary psychology

the study of the evolution of behavior and the mind, using principles of natural selection

behavior genetics

the study of the relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behavior

Enviornment

every nongenetic influence, from prenatal nutrition to the people and things around us

Heredity

the genetic transfer of characteristics from parents to offspring

Genes

the biochemical units of heredity that make up the chromosomes; a segment of DNA capable of synthesizing a protein

Genes

the biochemical units of heredity that make up the chromosomes; a segment of DNA capable of synthesizing a protein

Genome

the complete instructions for making an organism, consisting of all the genetic material in that organism's chromosomes

identical (monozygotic) twins

Individuals who develop from a single fertilized egg that splits in two, creating two genetically identical organisms

fraternal (dizygotic) twins

Individuals who develop from separate fertilized eggs. They are genetically no closer than ordinary brothers and sisters, but they share a prenatal environment

interaction

the interplay that occurs when the effect of one factor (such as environment) depends on another factor (such as heredity)

Epigenetics

the study of molecule mechanisms by which environmental influences on gene expression that occur without a DNA change

Nurture

the environmental factors and experiences that shape an individual's traits and behaviors. It emphasizes the influence of external factors, such as upbringing, culture, and social interactions, on human development.

Eugenics

the science of improving a human population by controlled breeding to increase the occurrence of desirable heritable characteristics.