Topic 1.1- Interaction of Heredity and Environment

Heredity

Genetic or predisposed characteristics that influence physical, behavioral, and mental traits and processes.

Environmental factors

External factors that one experiences, such as family interactions or education.

Evolutionary perspective

Explores how natural selection affects the expression of behavior and mental processes to increase survival and reproductive success.

Eugenics

Application of principles of the evolutionary perspective in ways that discriminate against others.

Twin studies

Research method used to study the effects of genes on individual behavior and mental processes.

Family studies

Research method assessing genetic contributions to behavior and mental processes by studying family members.

Adoption studies

Research method examining the influence of genetic and environmental factors by comparing adopted individuals to their biological and adoptive families.

Nature vs. Nurture

The debate regarding the relative contributions of heredity and environmental factors to behavior and mental processes.

Natural selection

Process by which traits that enhance survival and reproductive success become more common in a population.

Genetic predisposition

Inherent qualities or characteristics that can influence development and behavior.