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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.