AP Psych Unit 1.1

Nature-Nurture Issue

The debate on whether genetic inheritance (nature) or environmental factors (nurture) have a greater impact on development and psychological traits.

Heredity

The passing of different physical and mental traits from one generation to another.

Genetic Predisposition

A tendency for certain traits, including physical and mental conditions, to be inherited.

Natural Selection

The principle that inherited traits enabling an organism to survive and reproduce will likely be passed on to succeeding generations.

Evolutionary Psychology

The study of the evolution of behavior and the mind, utilizing principles of natural selection.

Behavior Genetics

The study of the relative impacts of genetic and environmental factors on behavior.

Identical Twins

Twins who developed from a single fertilized egg that split into two, resulting in genetically identical organisms.

Fraternal Twins

Twins who developed from separate fertilized eggs and are genetically no different than ordinary siblings.

Twin Studies

Research comparing the similarities between identical and fraternal twins to assess heredity and environment.

Adoption Studies

Research comparing traits between adopted children and their biological and adoptive parents to assess genetic and environmental influences.

Epigenetics

The study of molecular mechanisms by which environmental factors can influence or block genetic expression without changing DNA.

Environmental Factors

External elements like culture, education, and life experiences that shape personality and behavior.

Evolutionary Perspective on Behavior

The view that natural selection has shaped our behaviors and mental processes over time.