Studied by 2 people
AP Psychology vocabulary from collegeboard.
Nature (Heredity)
Refers to our genetic makeup — the DNA passed down from our parents
Evolutionary Perspective
The idea that behaviors have evolved over time because they helped our ancestors survive and reproduce
Natural Selection
Traits that enhance survival get passed on
Behavior Genetics
The study of how much our genes and environment affect our behavior
Mutations
Random changes to DNA that can lead to new traits
Genes
The basic unit of heredity
Genome
The complete set of genetic instructions for an organism
Nurture (Environment)
Everything from our family and friends to our culture and experiences
Twin Studies
Comparing identical (Monozygotic) twins with fraternal (Dizygotic) twins to see how much behavior is genetic vs environmental
Adoption Studies
Examining if adopted children are more like their biological or adoptive parents
Family Studies
Analyzing shared traits among relatives
Identical twins (Monozygotic)
Share 100% of their genes
Fraternal Twins (Dizygotic)
Share about 50% of their genes, just like other siblings
Epigenetics
How our environment can influence gene expression without changing the DNA itself
Eugenics
The controversial idea of improving human populations by selective breeding and controlling reproduction
Problem with Eugenics: Racial and Class Bias
The movement targeted marginalized groups, including immigrants, minorities, people with disabilities, and the poor. It falsely labeled these groups as “genetically inferior”
Problem with Eugenics: Forced Sterilizations
Over 60,000 people in the US were forcibly sterilized under eugenics laws. Many were sterilized without consent, often in institutions like prisons or mental hospitals
Problem with Eugenics: Violation of Human Rights
The movement ignored individual rights, treating people as tools for “breeding better humans” instead of as individuals with autonomy
