Behavioral Genetics and Developmental Psychology Review

These flashcards cover key concepts from behavioral genetics and developmental psychology, aiding in comprehension and exam preparation.

Behavioral Genetics

The study of the interaction between heredity and environment in influencing behavior.

Heredity

The genetic transmission of characteristics from parents to offspring.

Environment

All external factors and influences that impact an individual's development.

Chromosomes

Structures within cells that contain DNA and genes; humans have 23 pairs, totaling 46 chromosomes.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic acid, the molecule that carries genetic instructions for the development and functioning of living organisms.

Genes

Segments of DNA that code for proteins and determine individual traits.

Monozygotic twins

Identical twins that develop from a single fertilized egg.

Dizygotic twins

Fraternal twins that develop from two separate fertilized eggs.

Twin studies

Research designs that compare the similarities of twins to understand the influence of genetics and environment.

Adoption studies

Research designs that assess the influence of heredity and environment by studying adopted children and their biological and adoptive parents.

Nature vs. Nurture

The debate about the relative contributions of genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) to human development.

Evolutionary Psychology

The study of how evolutionary principles such as natural selection influence human behavior and cognition.

Natural Selection

The process by which traits that enhance survival and reproduction are passed on more frequently to future generations.

Mutation

A change in a DNA sequence that can lead to variations in traits.

Developmental Psychology

The study of how people grow and change throughout the lifespan.

Conception

The process by which a sperm fertilizes an egg to form a zygote.

Prenatal development stages

The three stages of development before birth: germinal, embryonic, and fetal.

Basic reflexes

Inborn automatic responses to certain stimuli, such as rooting and grasping.

Maturation

The biological growth processes that enable orderly changes in behavior.

Cognitive development

The development of thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.

Schema

A mental structure that organizes and interprets information.

Assimilation

The process of incorporating new information into existing schemas.

Accommodation

The process of altering existing schemas to incorporate new information.

Piaget's stages of development

Four developmental stages identified by Piaget: sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational.

Conservation

The understanding that certain properties of objects remain the same despite changes in form or appearance.

Object permanence

The understanding that objects continue to exist even when they cannot be seen.

Egocentrism

The inability to distinguish between one's own perspective and another's perspective.

Theory of mind

The ability to attribute mental states to oneself and others.

Mother-infant attachment

The emotional bond that develops between a mother and her infant.

Authoritarian parenting

A style of parenting characterized by high demands and low responsiveness.

Authoritative parenting

A style of parenting that is both demanding and responsive.

Permissive parenting

A style of parenting that is indulgent and responsive but not demanding.

Primary sex characteristics

The sexual organs and structures directly involved in reproduction.

Secondary sex characteristics

Physical features that develop during puberty but are not directly related to reproduction.

Adolescence

The transitional stage of development between childhood and adulthood, typically starting at ages 10-13 and ending in late teens.

Kohlberg's levels of moral reasoning

Three levels of moral reasoning: preconventional, conventional, and postconventional.

Erikson’s psychosocial development stages

Developmental stages outlining psychosocial challenges that must be faced throughout the lifespan.

Fluid intelligence

The ability to solve new problems and think logically independent of previously acquired knowledge.

Crystallized intelligence

The knowledge and skills that are acquired through experience and education.

Sex vs. Gender

Sex refers to biological differences, while gender refers to social and psychological roles.

Aggression

Behavior intended to harm or assert dominance; can vary by type.

Gender differences in play

Variations in play behavior often associated with gender roles and expectations.

Gender identity

An individual's personal sense of their gender, which may or may not correspond with their biological sex.

Gender roles

Social and behavioral norms that are considered appropriate for individuals of a specific gender.

Transgender

A term for individuals whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.

Transsexual

Individuals who transition from one sex to the other.

Teenage pregnancy factors

Variables that correlate with the occurrence of pregnancy in teenagers.

Sexual orientation

A person's pattern of emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction to individuals of the same or opposite gender.

Nature or nurture in sexual orientation

The ongoing debate regarding whether genetic/biological factors (nature) or environmental factors (nurture) have more influence over sexual orientation.