Behavioral Genetics Concepts Quiz W4 Chap 6 and 7

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Which of the following describe the concepts and methods used in behavioral genetics, including twin and adoption studies? (Select all that apply)

Behavioral genetics studies the influence of genetic and environmental factors on behavior. (correct)
Twin studies compare similarities between identical twins to those between fraternal twins. (correct)
Adoption studies analyze behavioral traits in adopted individuals compared to their biological and adoptive families. (correct)
Behavioral genetics exclusively focuses on the environmental influences with no regard for genetic factors.

What is the relationship between the Big Five personality traits and models of temperament?

Both models are completely unrelated.
The Big Five traits can be seen as dimensions of temperament. (correct)
Temperament directly influences the Big Five traits without any overlap.
The Big Five model is a practical application of temperament models. (correct)

What are Eysenck's views on the biological processes underlying extraversion and neuroticism?

He believed they are primarily influenced by genetics and brain functioning. (correct)
He argued that they are solely the result of environmental factors.
He suggested that personality types are entirely shaped by cultural influences.
He maintained that neither biological nor environmental factors play a significant role.

Which of the following are examples of Behavioral Activation System (BAS) and Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) processes in action? (Select all that apply)

Seeking social interaction at a party (BAS) (A), Avoiding confrontation during a discussion (BIS) (B), Taking risks in a competitive game (BAS) (C), Feeling anxious before a big presentation (BIS) (D) Signup and view all the answers

What are some behavioral correlates of testosterone and oxytocin?

Aggression and bonding (A) Signup and view all the answers

What do genetic and evolutionary theories emphasize regarding personality development?

The role of genes and the biological body inherited (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the Behavioral Approach System (BAS)?

To regulate movement towards a desired state (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly describes the differences between the Behavioural Approach System (BAS) and the Behavioural Inhibition System (BIS)?

BAS is responsible for positive emotions and relates to conditioning involving positive outcomes, while BIS is associated with anxiety and involves negative outcomes. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true regarding the relationship between biological systems and impulsiveness according to the text?

Medication can influence biological systems and alter behavior. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone is primarily associated with dominance behavior and aggression in adults?

Testosterone (C) Signup and view all the answers

What method do twin studies use to investigate the genetic contributions to personality differences?

Comparing correlations among identical twins with those among fraternal twins (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following options are related to the three fundamental temperaments in early childhood? (Select all that apply)

Activity level (A), Sociability (B), Emotionality (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of sociobiology?

Examining the genetic basis of social behavior (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which psychological disorders show evidence of being affected by heredity?

Schizophrenia (A), Manic-Depressive Disorder (D) Signup and view all the answers

Eysenck suggests that differences between introverts and extraverts are based on differences in:

cerebral cortex activation. (B) Signup and view all the answers

The BAS is assumed to be involved when a person is:

pursuing an incentive. (A) Signup and view all the answers

BIS may be related to serotonin and/or GABA activity.

True (A) Signup and view all the answers

Testosterone in adults relates to:

dominance behaviour. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Sociobiology suggests that many aspects of human social behaviour are products of:

evolution. (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to Hippocrates and Galen, how does a person's physical makeup relate to their personality?

Physical makeup partly determines personality traits. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to W. H. Sheldon, which of the following body types is associated with a tendency toward plumpness?

Endomorphy (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to Sheldon, which body type is associated with the temperament of somatotonia?

Mesomorphy (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about mesomorphy is true?

Mesomorphs are characterized by a rectangular, hard, and strong physique. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about ectomorphy is true?

Ectomorphs are delicate and frail individuals. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following correctly matches the aspect of temperament with its definition as proposed by Sheldon?

Cerebrotonia - Avoidance of interaction and pain sensitivity (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the focus of behavioral genetics?

The influence of genetics on behavioral qualities, including personality (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of conducting twin studies in behavioral genetics?

To compare the genetic similarities of identical and fraternal twins (B) Signup and view all the answers

In a basic twin study method, how is the heritability of a characteristic estimated?

By subtracting the correlation of fraternal twins from identical twins and multiplying by 2. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the assumption underlying the twin study method regarding MZ and DZ twins?

The degree of similarity of life experiences is equal for both MZ and DZ twins. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does adoption research primarily look at in terms of inheritance?

Resemblance of adopted children to their biological and adoptive parents (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to Buss and Plomin, which of the following are considered dimensions of temperament?

Activity level (B), Sociability (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which temperament reflects the ability to focus, manage attention, and suppress impulses when inappropriate?

Effortful control (C) Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion did Yamagata et al. (2006) reach regarding the five-factor personality model?

The five factors have substantial genetic influence across cultures. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following traits from the five-factor model is most closely related to emotionality in temperaments?

Neuroticism (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding genetic influence on behavior?

The heritability of happiness is accounted for by neuroticism, extraversion, and conscientiousness. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What are potential sources of nonshared environmental influence on personality in twins?

Having different sets of friends (A) Signup and view all the answers

What are two issues in behavioral genetics that complicate the process of drawing conclusions from findings?

Environment can influence genetic expressions. (A), Interactions between genes and environments are complex and not fully understood. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does parental education influence genetic and environmental effects on vocabulary IQ tests?

High parental education results in a large genetic effect and no environmental effect. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to Dickens and Flynn (2001), how do genetic and environmental influences interact in relation to intelligence?

High intelligence can lead individuals to seek out environments that enhance their learning. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What significant achievement in genetic research was completed ahead of schedule in 2000?

Mapping the human genome (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the existence of a difference at a particular location in the genome?

Polymorphism (C) Signup and view all the answers

What approach did the first genomic studies on personality use to link genes to personality traits?

Candidate gene strategy (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the DRD4 gene related to personality traits?

It is linked to high novelty seeking scores. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following personality measures have been linked to the DRD2 (ANKK1) gene according to research? (Select all that apply)

Fun seeking (A), Impulsive responding to emotion (B), Extraversion (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the serotonin transporter gene, also known as 5HTTLPR, associated with in terms of personality traits?

High scores on neuroticism and low scores on agreeableness (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why are single-gene discoveries in behavioral genetics often considered misleading?

Most behavior is influenced by many genes rather than a single gene. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What are some considerations associated with genome-wide association studies (GWAS)?

GWAS requires a large number of research participants. (A), GWAS examines the entire genome for differences related to outcomes. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the newer genetic approach provide for research on personality?

Tools for testing genetic contributions to various aspects of personality (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of examining interactions between genes and environment in behavioral genetics?

It highlights the variability of responses in individuals with different genetic makeups in similar environments. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What has recent research indicated about gene-by-environment (GxE) interactions in relation to childhood adversity?

GxE interactions are common, with significant effects from childhood adversity (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key argument discussed by Belsky & Pluess regarding genotype?

Genotype should be understood in terms of sensitivity to the environment. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the environment influence gene expression in individuals who may be more susceptible to environmental factors due to their genetic makeup?

Environments affect the ability of genes to function and express proteins. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of increased methylation on gene expression?

It decreases gene expression (C) Signup and view all the answers

What kind of environmental variation has been shown to affect gene expression in humans?

Chronic social isolation (A) Signup and view all the answers

What significant conclusion can be drawn from the research on epigenetic changes and their inheritance?

Environmental experiences can lead to inherited epigenetic changes. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the field of epigenetics reveal about the relationship between genes and the environment?

The environment influences how genes work, and genes can also influence how the environment works. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What type of environmental variation has been shown to significantly affect gene expression related to immune responses?

Chronic social isolation (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main conclusion drawn from the research on epigenetic changes and their transmission across generations?

Epigenetic changes caused by environmental experiences can be inherited. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does epigenetics impact the relationship between genes and the environment?

Both genes and the environment influence each other. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What are some terms associated with the perspective that human behavior is influenced by ancient evolutionary processes?

Sociobiology (A), Evolutionary psychology (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the core assumption of sociobiology regarding social interactions?

They are products of evolution that conferred adaptive advantages. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of sociobiologists in relation to altruism?

To explore how altruistic behavior patterns may be genetically built (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main outcome of directional selection over many generations?

Elimination of individual differences and a higher proportion of the adaptive allele (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary characteristic that may have influenced survival during human evolution, according to the passage in chapter 6?

Strength (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why are there individual differences in characteristics despite some being more adaptive than others?

Adaptive values depend on the context and can vary in different environments. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of stabilizing selection in a population?

It maintains genetic variability by favoring intermediate values. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How can an intermediate value of a characteristic be more adaptive than an extreme value? Here’s an example. It’s important for people to have some sociability, because humans are such a social species. Having too little sociability isn’t adaptive. But neither is it adaptive to have too much sociability. A person with extremely high sociability can hardly bear to be alone, and life sometimes requires people to be alone.

Intermediate sociability allows for social engagement without dependency on others. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why do personality traits vary from person to person according to behavioral genetics?

Because of genetic diversity in personality traits (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary factor that determines which genes move into subsequent generations in a population?

Gene pool dynamics (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept that describes how altruistic behaviors towards relatives can aid in the survival of shared genetic traits?

Inclusive fitness (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the research suggest about the genetic basis of altruism?

Empathic concern for others may have a genetic component. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to the evolutionary perspective discussed, what is one reason why cooperation may be considered part of human nature?

It promotes better outcomes for the group. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What do studies suggest about the evolutionary basis of human behavioral tendencies related to cooperation and forgiveness?

Forgiveness may play an important role in restoring relationships after transgressions. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to Rushton and his colleagues, what is the core idea of genetic similarity theory regarding altruism?

Altruism can extend beyond kinship groups to foster the survival of genetic similarities. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main argument regarding genetic similarity and attraction mentioned in the text?

Genetic similarity increases the likelihood of reproduction and passing genes to the next generation. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Based on Rushton's (1988) study, what percentage of genetic markers did sexually involved couples share?

50% (B) Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of genetic markers did pairs of close friends share in Rushton's (1989b) study?

54% (A) Signup and view all the answers

How do people detect genetic similarity in others?

By being drawn to others who share similar facial and body features. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the concept that individuals choose their mates based on specific characteristics?

Assortative mating (B) Signup and view all the answers

What term is often used to describe the avoidance of inbreeding in humans?

Incest taboo (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why do women report greater disgust at the idea of incest during periods of high fertility?

It is believed to increase the chance of genetic disorders. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to the evolutionary view on personality, what is one primary focus of mating?

Reproductive advantage (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to Trivers (1972), which sex typically has a greater investment in offspring?

Females (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to Buss (1994a, 1994b), what are the different mating strategies of men and women based on their biological investment?

Women hold back until identifying high-quality males, while men maximize sexual opportunities. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to David Buss and David Schmitt, what attributes should women compete on to attract men who are interested in long-term relationships?

Youth and beauty (A) Signup and view all the answers

What behaviors do men and women engage in to compete for mates according to Buss (1988)?

Women enhance their beauty and play hard to get, while men brag about their accomplishments and display wealth. (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to Buss (1989), which of the following preferences were more common among males compared to females in mate selection?

Cues of reproductive capacity (B) Signup and view all the answers

In a study by Li et al. (2002), when given limited choices for a partner, what did men and women prioritize?

Men prioritized attractiveness, while women prioritized status and resources (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to research by Kenrick & Keefe (1992), what is a trend observed in the age preferences of men and women in regards to dating ads?

Men prefer younger women, especially as they grow older. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What preference trends do men and women show in singles' ads according to age?

Men prefer younger women as they age, women prefer men slightly older than themselves. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements are true based on the studies of gender differences in casual sex and relationship dynamics?

Men overinterpret women's smiles as signs of sexual interest. (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to evolutionary theories, what type of infidelity are men and women more likely to feel jealous about, respectively?

Men are jealous about sexual infidelity; Women are jealous about emotional infidelity. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What do studies suggest about gender differences in reactions to infidelity?

Women are typically more disturbed by thoughts of emotional infidelity and men by sexual infidelity. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to Dijkstra & Buunk (1998), how do men and women differ in their jealousy responses towards potential rivals?

Men are more jealous when the rival is dominant, while women are more jealous when the rival is physically attractive. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What are some tactics used by men and women to keep their mates, according to Buss & Shackelford (1997)?

Men spending money and women becoming more attractive (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to behavioral genetics concepts, what factors influence men and women differently in their retention tactics within relationships?

Men focus on the physical attractiveness and youth of their wives, while women focus on the income and status of their husbands. (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to researchers on gender differences in communication, how do men and women typically differ in their communication styles?

Men typically have a dominance-oriented, problem-solving approach, whereas women tend to be inclusive and communal. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What are some similarities both genders seek in partners according to the research?

Good sense of humor (A), Intelligence (C) Signup and view all the answers

What are some potential consequences of competition for mating opportunities among males?

Increased risky driving behaviors (A), Confrontation and serious violence (D) Signup and view all the answers

What factors contribute to the emergence of the young male syndrome according to Wilson & Daly (1985)?

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

What do Daly and Wilson suggest is a primary factor in male homicide rates?

Conflicts over 'face' and status (B) Signup and view all the answers

What role does easy access to guns play in violent behavior according to the passage in chapter 6?

It increases the likelihood of deadly violence. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does recent research suggest about male aggression in the context of competition for mates?

Male aggression is more pronounced in contexts of sexual selection and competition for mates. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to Daly & Wilson (1988, 1996), which type of parent is far more likely to kill children?

Stepparents (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the potential outcomes of coercive tactics in mate retention?

Violence against the partner (C) Signup and view all the answers

What has research shown about aggression among male chimpanzees and their reproductive success?

Males who intimidate their mates have been found to father more offspring than less aggressive males. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How do the genetic and trait viewpoints of personality assessment differ?

The genetic viewpoint emphasizes inherited traits as biological substrates of personality. (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to Plomin & Crabbe (2000), what is the main challenge in using gene assessment to evaluate personality traits?

Identifying the numerous genes involved in personality traits is difficult. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What are two ways in which researchers have found evidence of genetic influence on behavioral problems?

Twin studies comparing identical and fraternal twins. (A), Identifying specific genes responsible for behavior problems. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes one of the benefits of mapping the human genome?

It facilitates the identification of single-gene disorders for better genetic counseling. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What are some ethical concerns related to the ability to modify genes in humans to create specific characteristics in new children?

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the federal law passed in 2009 regarding genetic testing?

To ban the use of genetic tests to set insurance rates or deny coverage (B) Signup and view all the answers

What potential issues arise from mapping the genome in relation to psychological disorders?

Insurance discrimination based on genetic predispositions (A) Signup and view all the answers

What are some characteristics of schizophrenia as described in behavioral genetics research?

Disorientation and confusion (A) Signup and view all the answers

What were the concordance rates for schizophrenia among identical and fraternal twins, according to Gottesman and Shields (1972)?

50% for identical twins and 9% for fraternal twins (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the interaction between genetic susceptibility and life circumstances in schizophrenia illustrate?

Diathesis-stress theory (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant challenge in molecular genetic studies of schizophrenia?

There is great uncertainty about involved genes (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about bipolar disorder and its genetic contribution is true?

Twin studies indicate a strong genetic contribution to bipolar disorder. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What did the molecular genetic research find concerning the gene linked to bipolar disorder in Amish families?

One study linked a specific dominant gene on chromosome 11, but other studies found no link. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What environmental factors have been identified as influencing manic episodes in individuals with bipolar disorder?

Lack of sleep (A), Success in attaining goals (C) Signup and view all the answers

According to Dick and Rose (2002), how did the genetic contributions to substance abuse change from age 16 to age 18?

Increased from one-third to one-half of the variance (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which gene is implicated in the craving for alcohol and is linked to stronger social bonds while drinking?

DRD4 (A) Signup and view all the answers

What role do temperaments play in antisocial behavior according to Honomichl & Donnellan (2012)?

They play a significant role, especially the approach temperament. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to Moffitt (2005a, 2005b), how should we frame questions regarding antisocial behavior in relation to gene-environment interactions?

By determining who is at greatest risk for the disorder (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to Barash (1986), what two kinds of evolution influence behavior problems in humans?

Biological evolution and cultural evolution (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to Barash (1986), what happens when behavioral tendencies built into human nature conflict with contemporary cultural pressures?

Problems of conflict and alienation may emerge. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How easy can it be to alter biologically based personality qualities through therapeutic processes?

Very difficult (D) Signup and view all the answers

What factors might influence the effectiveness of therapy aimed at modifying temperaments?

The individual's initial level of emotionality (A), The type of therapy being used (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated about the heritability of personality according to the research?

Experience influences personality in addition to genetics. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What are two common criticisms of using evolutionary ideas to understand personality?

They overlook the role of environmental factors. (A), They ignore the influence of cultural differences on personality. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How should temperaments be viewed in relation to personality?

As the bedrock on which personality is constructed (C) Signup and view all the answers

How many traits are genetically influenced, and how many appear heritable due to their derivation from the first group? Recent evidence suggests that facets of the five supertraits are separately heritable. Should we be asking whether temperaments are unitary, broad qualities displayed in diverse ways or if they are aggregates of truly separate traits?

Some traits are genetically influenced while others appear heritable. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, what are two theoretical viewpoints related to genetic research in personality?

Trait psychology (A), Biological process model (C) Signup and view all the answers

What was one major criticism of sociobiology and evolutionary psychology according to the chapter 6?

It was regarded as a game of speculation. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What has been a recent development in the field of evolutionary psychology?

It has become a bustling area of research with more sophisticated hypotheses. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is one challenge that evolutionary psychology faces today?

Making clear predictions that resist alternative interpretations (A) Signup and view all the answers

What are some criticisms of evolutionary psychology regarding its implications on social conditions?

It justifies unfair social conditions (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is stated as a reason why the theory of evolution may not be satisfying to its critics?

Evolution is a dispassionate natural force. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which research method is used to compare personality differences between identical and fraternal twins?

Twin studies (B) Signup and view all the answers

What trait has early evidence supported as being influenced by genetics according to twin research?

Activity level (A) Signup and view all the answers

What traits have been linked to specific genes according to recent developments in molecular genetics?

All of the above (D) Signup and view all the answers

What concept suggests that human social behaviors are influenced by genetic factors and evolution?

Sociobiology (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to the evolutionary view on mate selection, which of the following strategies do males and females typically adopt?

Males mate whenever possible and are drawn to signs of reproductive capability, while females seek the best male available and are drawn to signs of resources. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What question does the genetic approach to personality raise concerning therapeutic behavior change?

How much can people be expected to change in directions that deviate from their biological makeup? (A) Signup and view all the answers

Behavioral Genetics

Study of genetic and environmental influences on behavior.

Big Five traits & temperament

Big Five personality traits are dimensions of temperament.