Behavioral Genetics Overview

The part of the mind that is outside of conscious awareness, influencing our behavior and thoughts.

The part of the mind that we are aware of, also affecting our behavior and mental processes.

The field that explores how genetics and behavior are linked.

An individual's unique genetic makeup.

Observable or measurable characteristics of an individual, shaped by both genes and environment.

The study of how our genes are influenced by our environment and experiences, leading to changes in how they are expressed, without altering the DNA sequence itself.

A period in development where an individual is highly sensitive to certain environmental experiences, which can have a lasting impact on their development.

The scientific study of how individuals change throughout their lifespan, from conception to death.

The ongoing debate about whether our nature (genes) or nurture (environment) has more influence on our development.

The area of development that focuses on changes in a person's physical body, brain, motor skills, and sensory abilities.

Traits controlled by genes located on the X chromosome. Males only have one X chromosome, so they will express the trait if they inherit the gene. Females have two X chromosomes, so they can be carriers if they inherit the gene on only one X chromosome.

A gene variant that only shows its effect when two copies are present. If only one copy is present, the individual will not display the trait.

Comparisons of identical (MZ) and fraternal (DZ) twins to determine the contribution of genetics and environment to a trait. If MZ twins are more similar than DZ twins for a particular trait, it suggests a stronger genetic influence.

Studying individuals who have been adopted to separate genetic and environmental influences. Comparing adopted individuals to their biological parents and adoptive parents reveals the relative impact of nature and nurture.

The shared customs, values, attitudes, and beliefs of a group of people passed down through generations. It can influence individual behavior, social interactions, and perspectives on the world.

A parenting style characterized by strict rules, harsh punishments, and little room for negotiation. This style might lead to insecurity and anxiety in children.

A parenting style marked by a lack of rules, boundaries, or consequences. It can lead to children feeling insecure due to inconsistent guidance.

A parenting style that balances firm guidelines with warmth, understanding, and communication. It fosters a sense of security and independence in children.

A child's natural tendencies and behavioral patterns, influencing their interaction with the world and forming attachments.

A child who adapts easily to new situations, has consistent sleeping and eating habits, and is easily soothed. They are likely to form a secure attachment.

A child who is frequently upset, has irregular sleeping and eating patterns, and struggles with transitions. They might have difficulty forming secure attachments.

A child initially cautious and hesitant but eventually warms up to new situations and people. Their attachment styles can vary.

A theory that emphasizes the importance of social relationships in a child's development, with each stage marked by a specific crisis to be resolved. Each stage influences the individual's sense of self and social competence.

A period during prenatal development where the foundation of the baby's body systems and organs are laid down, making it a crucial time for the embryo.

A fertilized egg, representing the earliest stage of human development.

The developing organism between 2 and 8 weeks after conception.

A period during prenatal development when the body systems and organs continue to mature and the fetus prepares for life outside the womb.

Substances that can harm a developing embryo or fetus, impacting their development.

The stage of human development from 9 weeks until birth.

Harmful substances that can damage a developing fetus, potentially causing birth defects.

A condition caused by alcohol exposure during prenatal development, resulting in cognitive and physical impairments.

Birth defects caused by exposure to alcohol during pregnancy.

The time period that surrounds the birth of a child, including a few months after.

A decrease in a baby's response to repeated stimulation, indicating a simple form of learning where they become accustomed to the stimulus.

A decrease in response to a stimulus after repeated exposure.

A newborn's ability to focus on fine details, which develops gradually after birth.

Biological growth processes that occur naturally over time, independent of experience.

Mental processes such as thinking, learning, and problem-solving.

The process by which genetically programmed biological changes occur, enabling orderly changes in behavior, and primarily driven by nature.

The inability to recall early childhood memories, typically before the age of 3.5 years old, often due to the developing hippocampus.

A mental structure that organizes and interprets information, based on prior experiences.

The ability of a baby to mentally understand and represent objects even when they are not physically present.

The process of incorporating new information into existing schemas.

The ability to use symbols, like words or pretend play, to represent ideas and experiences.

Adjusting existing schemas to fit new information.

The tendency to attribute life and human qualities to inanimate objects, a limitation in logical reasoning seen in preoperational children.

The stage where infants learn through sensory experiences and actions, from birth to 2 years old.

A mental framework that organizes knowledge about the world and grows with experience.

The understanding that objects continue to exist even when they are out of sight.

The stage where kids start using symbols but lack logical reasoning, between ages 2 to 7.

The process of incorporating new experiences into existing schemas, adjusting the understanding of new information.

The process of changing existing schemas or creating new ones to accommodate new information that doesn't fit the current understanding.

The ability to understand that quantity remains the same even if its shape changes.