Studied by 0 people
AI flash cards from notes
Behavioural Genetics
An interdisciplinary field focusing on genetic contributions to individual differences in behavior and personality, adopting a nature and nurture approach.
Genetic Code
DNA, a double-helix molecule containing nucleotides (A, C, T, G) that guide protein synthesis and are found in chromosomes inherited by individuals.
Genes
Basic units of heredity that direct protein synthesis and are present in every cell, determining traits and characteristics.
Genotypes vs Phenotypes
Understanding the difference between genetic makeup (genotype) and observable traits (phenotype) influenced by gene expression.
Human Genome
All genes and noncoding DNA in an individual, with most traits influenced by multiple gene pairs.
Evolutionary Psychology
Study of the origins of human behaviors from an evolutionary perspective, exploring shared behaviors among primates.
Natural Selection
Evolutionary process where adaptive traits lead to survival and reproduction, increasing the prevalence of those traits in a population.
Heritability
Estimation of the genetic contribution to trait variance within a specific group, influenced by environmental factors.
Nervous System
Responsible for processing information, producing responses, and coordinating cell functions, divided into somatic and autonomic systems.
Neurons
Cells transmitting electrochemical signals, comprising dendrites, cell body, axon, myelin sheath, and glial cells.
Neurotransmitters
Chemical messengers facilitating communication between neurons at synapses, influencing excitatory or inhibitory responses.
Lesion Method
Involves removing or disabling brain structures in non-human animals to study brain functions, not applicable to humans.
Brain Scans
Techniques like EEG, ERPs, PET scans, MRIs, and fMRI used to study neural activity and brain functions in humans.
Brain Structures
Reticular activating system, cerebellum, amygdala, hippocampus, and cerebral cortex play crucial roles in various brain functions.
Split Brain Patients
Individuals with severed corpus callosum, showing distinct functions of the left and right hemispheres in tasks and perceptions.
Culture
Shared rules, values, symbols, and communication systems governing behavior, studied in cultural neuroscience to explore neural-cultural interactions.
