Heritability and Personality Traits

These flashcards cover key concepts related to the heritability of personality traits and the interactions between genetics and environment.

Heritability of Big Five

About 50% heritable, indicating genetics play a significant role in personality traits.

Sexual orientation heritability

Estimated around 20%, suggesting a genetic influence on adult sexual orientation.

Traditionalism heritability

Favoring conservative values with a heritability estimate of 59%.

Job preference heritability

71% of job preferences are positively correlated in genetically related individuals.

Low heritability attitudes

Certain beliefs, such as belief in God and attitudes toward racial integration, show low or no heritability.

Alcoholism heritability

Addiction has a heritability range of 36-56%, with higher rates for alcoholism.

Shared environment

Features both siblings are exposed to, affecting personality traits, e.g., reading before bed.

Non-shared environment

Unique experiences that one sibling has but the other does not, greatly impacting personality.

Genotype-Environment Interaction

Different genetic makeups react differently to environmental conditions, e.g., introverts vs. extraverts in noise.

Active genotype-environment correlation

Individuals with specific genes seek out environments that fit their genetic predispositions.

DRD4 Gene

Weakly related to novelty seeking; illustrates that single genes do not have a large impact on traits.

Blank slate view

The idea that personality is entirely molded by the environment, challenged by heritable traits.

Bias in behavioral genetics

Concern regarding the misuse of findings related to genetics and behaviors, particularly regarding race.

Science vs. values

Important to differentiate scientific findings from personal or societal values to avoid bias.