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Questions and Answers
What does the nature side of the nature vs nurture debate emphasize?
What is the main focus of evolutionary psychology?
Which statement best defines heredity in the context of genetics?
Charles Darwin's theory involves which of the following concepts?
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What does the term 'adaptive psychological traits' refer to in evolutionary psychology?
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What is the definition of a gene?
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What does the term phenotype refer to?
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Which of the following statements about chromosomes is true?
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What is the focus of behavioral genetics?
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Which of the following statements accurately describes epigenetics?
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Which type of studies are used to compare genetically related and unrelated individuals?
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What is described as polygenic?
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How many chromosomes do humans have?
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Study Notes
Nature vs Nurture
- Nature refers to the inborn characteristics of an organism, emphasizing genetic factors.
- Nurture involves environmental influences that shape behavior and psychological traits.
The Biopsychosocial Model
- Integrates biological, psychological, and social factors to understand human behavior and health.
Evolution and Heredity
- Charles Darwin proposed the theory of evolution in 1871.
- Natural selection enables individuals with adaptive genetic variations to survive and reproduce.
- Humans, like other species, have evolved and adapted through this process.
Evolutionary Psychology
- Studies the connection between adaptation, natural selection, and mental processes.
- Psychological traits may undergo natural selection similarly to physical traits.
- Emphasizes instinctive behaviors, such as infant reflexes, which have adaptive value.
Heredity and Genetics
- Heredity is the biological transmission of characteristics from parents to offspring through genes.
- Genes, the building blocks of heredity, are located at specific points on chromosomes.
Key Terms
- Gene: A fundamental unit of heredity found on chromosomes.
- Chromosomes: Structures in the cell nucleus containing genes, with humans having 46 chromosomes (23 pairs).
- DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid): A double helix substance that forms chromosomes and contains genetic coding.
Genotypes and Phenotypes
- Polygenic Traits: Psychological traits influenced by multiple genes (e.g., mental health).
- Genotype: A person’s genetic makeup as determined by their DNA sequencing.
- Phenotype: The expressed traits of an individual, shaped by both genotype and environmental factors.
Epigenetics
- Studies gene function changes due to environmental factors.
- Significant research includes:
- Dutch Hunger Winter impact on gene expression (Heijmans et al., 2008).
- Research on intergenerational trauma (Yehuda and Lehrner, 2018).
- Effects of cannabis use on gene expression (Nannini et al., 2023).
Kinship Studies
- Examine genetic influences on behavioral or psychological traits by comparing biologically related and unrelated individuals.
Twin Studies
- Investigate the presence of traits and behavioral patterns in twins to assess genetic versus environmental influences.
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Description
Explore the debates and theories surrounding nature and nurture, including the biopsychosocial model of understanding behavior. This quiz will cover evolutionary psychology, heredity, and the impact of genetic and environmental factors on human traits.
