AP Psych Behavior Genetics Vocabulary

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Questions and Answers

What is behavior genetics?

The study of the relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behavior.

What does 'environment' refer to in behavior genetics?

Every nongenetic influence from prenatal nutrition to the people and things around us.

What are identical twins?

Twins who develop from a single fertilized egg that splits in two, creating two genetically identical organisms.

What are fraternal twins?

Twins who develop from separate eggs; they are genetically no closer than brothers and sisters. Signup and view all the answers

What is temperament?

A person's characteristic emotional reactivity and intensity. Signup and view all the answers

What does heritability mean?

The proportion of variation among individuals that we can attribute to genes. Signup and view all the answers

What is an interaction in the context of behavior genetics?

The dependence of the effect of one factor (such as environment) on another factor (such as heredity). Signup and view all the answers

What does molecular genetics study?

The structure and function of genes. Signup and view all the answers

What is culture in behavior genetics?

The enduring behaviors, ideas, attitudes, and traditions shared by a large group of people. Signup and view all the answers

What is a norm?

An understood rule for accepted and expected behavior. Signup and view all the answers

What is personal space?

The buffer zone we like to maintain around our bodies. Signup and view all the answers

What are memes in the context of behavior genetics?

Self-replicating ideas, fashions, and innovations passed from person to person. Signup and view all the answers

What is a role?

A set of expectations about a social position, defining how those in the position ought to behave. Signup and view all the answers

What is a gender role?

A set of expected behaviors for males and females. Signup and view all the answers

What is gender identity?

One's sense of being male or female. Signup and view all the answers

What does gender typing refer to?

The acquisition of a traditional masculine or feminine role. Signup and view all the answers

What is social learning theory?

The theory that we learn social behavior by observing and imitating and by being rewarded or punished. Signup and view all the answers

What is gender schema theory?

The theory that children learn from their cultures a concept of what it means to be male and female. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Behavior Genetics

Studies the influence of genetics and environment on behavior.
Analyzes the relative power of hereditary factors compared to environmental factors.

Environment

Encompasses all non-genetic influences affecting individuals.
Includes prenatal factors, social interactions, and physical surroundings.

Identical Twins

Result from the splitting of a single fertilized egg.
Genetically identical, sharing the same DNA.

Fraternal Twins

Develop from two separate eggs fertilized by different sperm.
Genetically comparable to ordinary siblings, sharing a womb environment.

Temperament

Refers to an individual's characteristic emotional responses.
Includes aspects such as emotional reactivity and intensity.

Heritability

Measures the extent to which genetic factors contribute to variations in traits within a population.
Can differ based on the populations and environments being studied.

Interaction

Describes the dependence of one factor's effect on the presence of another factor.
Example: how environmental influences interact with genetic inheritance.

Molecular Genetics

Subfield of biology focused on understanding gene structures and functions.
Investigates genetic mechanisms underlying inheritance.

Culture

Refers to the shared behaviors, ideas, and traditions among a larger group over time.
Transmitted across generations, influencing individuals’ actions and beliefs.

Norm

An established guideline for acceptable and expected behavior in society.
Helps define proper conduct in social contexts.

Personal Space

Refers to the physical distance individuals prefer to maintain from others.
Varies based on cultural and individual differences.

Memes

Concepts, ideas, or cultural phenomena that replicate and spread among people.
Can include trends, fashions, and social behaviors passed along through imitation.

Role

Set of expectations associated with a specific social position or status.
Outlines appropriate behavior and responsibilities for individuals in that role.

Gender Role

Societal expectations regarding behaviors considered appropriate for males and females.
Influences how individuals are perceived and expected to act based on gender.

Gender Identity

Refers to an individual’s personal sense of being male, female, or another gender identity.
Important aspect of personal and social identity.

Gender Typing

The process through which individuals adhere to traditional masculine or feminine behaviors.
Influenced by societal norms and personal experiences.

Proposes that social behavior is learned through observation and imitation.
Reinforced through rewards and punishments based on behavior.

Gender Schema Theory

Suggests that children develop a cognitive framework of gender roles from their culture.
Shapes their behavior and responses according to societal gender norms.

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Description

This quiz focuses on key vocabulary related to behavior genetics as part of AP Psychology. It includes definitions of crucial terms that explore the influence of genetics and environment on behavior. Test your understanding and retention of these foundational concepts with this set of flashcards.