Child Temperament and Development

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of those studying the heritability of traits?

Identifying genetic variations between groups

Assessing person-to-person variation for specific traits (correct)

Determining environmental impacts on group differences

Evaluating the role of social context in behavior

Which statement best reflects the concept of gene-environment interaction?

Genes alone determine personality and intelligence.

Genetic factors and environmental experiences work independently.

The effects of one factor can depend on another, influencing traits. (correct)

The environment completely overrides genetic predispositions.

What does the development of toughened, callused feet from going barefoot illustrate?

The importance of social context in physical development

A biological adaptation due to environmental exposure (correct)

The genetic predisposition for physical attributes

Variances in individual genetic coding

How can studying identical twins contribute to understanding genetics and environment interaction?

It helps isolate environmental factors from genetic ones. Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested by the statement that Scandinavians today carry genes from their Viking ancestors?

Historical genetics can influence modern traits and behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential outcome of gene-environment interaction studies?

Identifying which individuals are most likely to benefit from environmental interventions. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary research goal of the National Institutes of Health's All of Us program?

To identify how genetics and environment together predict health. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following concepts suggests that genes and experiences shape unique individual traits?

Adaptive capacity Signup and view all the answers

What transformation occurred after forty years of breeding foxes?

The foxes became docile and eager to please. Signup and view all the answers

How do human genes compare to those of domesticated animals in terms of specificity?

Human genes have a greater capacity for learning and adaptation. Signup and view all the answers

What role do mutations play in genetic variation?

They are errors in gene replication that can result in changes. Signup and view all the answers

According to the genetic profile, what contributes to human similarities?

The shared human genome. Signup and view all the answers

What is highlighted about human expressive behavior in social settings?

Shared expressions reflect deep human similarities. Signup and view all the answers

What did Belyaev and Trut use to market their friendly foxes?

Their compatibility as house pets. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects how natural selection works in humans compared to foxes?

Humans show a greater flexibility due to their genetics and experience. Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of genetic differences among humans is attributed to population group differences?

5 percent Signup and view all the answers

What was one observed effect on Scott Kelly's immune system during his time in space?

His immune system temporarily went into overdrive. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of molecular behavior genetics?

Exploring the interactions between genes and environmental factors. Signup and view all the answers

How do individualists generally define their self-identity?

From individual traits and personal uniqueness Signup and view all the answers

Why do behavior geneticists believe that no single gene determines obesity?

Multiple genes interact to influence various aspects of eating and metabolism. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary life task for people oriented towards collectivism?

Maintain connections and fit in Signup and view all the answers

How do epigenetic mechanisms affect gene activity?

They can trigger or block genetic expression in response to environmental factors. Signup and view all the answers

In what way can environments influence gene expression according to epigenetic studies?

Environments can activate or deactivate specific genes. Signup and view all the answers

How do individualists typically view morality?

Defined by their unique self-based principles Signup and view all the answers

What approach do individualists usually take when coping with reality?

Change the reality to suit their needs Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'molecular behavior genetics' refer to?

Research investigating how gene structure and function interact with the environment to influence behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about genes is true?

Gene expression can be activated or deactivated by environmental stimuli. Signup and view all the answers

Regarding relationships, individualists tend to have:

Many transient and casual interactions Signup and view all the answers

How do behavior attribution differ between individualistic and collectivistic cultures?

Behavior in individualistic cultures is seen as personality-based, while collectivists view it as role-based Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential outcome of the study of epigenetics concerning traits like color in living organisms?

Traits can exhibit different expressions due to genetic switches influenced by the environment. Signup and view all the answers

What trend was observed in naming conventions in the United States compared to Japan?

American names are increasingly unique, while Japanese names are often among the common ones Signup and view all the answers

In the context of Olympic medals, how do individualists perceive the achievement?

As predominantly the athlete's personal triumph Signup and view all the answers

What does temperament refer to in the context of personality?

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

How is heritability estimated in behavior genetics?

By conducting twin and adoption studies Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic physiological difference do anxious, inhibited infants display?

High and variable heart rates Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of heritability is estimated for many personality traits?

40 percent Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary finding of the study involving 3-year-olds from New Zealand?

Early temperament can predict future social issues Signup and view all the answers

According to research, how much of the variation in intelligence is attributed to genetic influence?

50–80 percent Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean when heritability is referred to as a percentage?

It represents the genetic influence on observed variation among a group Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately compares nature and nurture in personality development?

Both genetic and environmental factors influence personality Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Temperament and Its Continuity

Emotionally reactive newborns often remain reactive into later childhood and adulthood, suggesting stability in temperament (Wilson & Matheny, 1986; Worobey & Blajda, 1989; Larsen & Diener, 1987).
A New Zealand study assessed 3-year-olds, linking traits like frustration tolerance and impulsivity to welfare reliance, parenting behaviors, and criminality by age 38 (Caspi et al., 2016).
Temperament reflects a person's emotional reactivity and intensity, with physiological indicators, such as heart rate variability, seen in anxious infants (Kagan & Snidman, 2004; Roque et al., 2012).

Heritability of Traits

Heritability estimates the influence of genetics on individual traits within a group, indicating that about 40% of personality trait variation is genetic, while major depressive disorder is approximately 30% genetic (Haworth et al., 2010; Pettersson et al., 2019).
Intelligence heritability ranges from 50-80%, meaning genetics account for a significant portion of observed variations among individuals, not a direct proportion of intelligence itself (Madison et al., 2016; Plomin et al., 2016; Plomin & von Stumm, 2018).
Individual differences in personality do not imply similar group differences, highlighting the complexity of genetic influence amid diverse environmental contexts.

Gene-Environment Interaction

Human adaptability is influenced by both genetics and environment, where some traits manifest in specific environments (e.g., toughened feet from going barefoot).
Gene-environment interactions are a prominent area of research, studying how stress and abuse impact individuals differently based on genetic predispositions (Byrd et al., 2019; Manuck & McCaffery, 2014).
The National Institutes of Health is conducting extensive studies on how genes interact with environmental factors to influence health outcomes (NIH, 2019).

Molecular Behavior Genetics

Behavior geneticists use molecular genetics to explore how gene interactions influence behaviors and traits, moving beyond mere questions about genetic influence.
Complex traits cannot be attributed to single genes but arise from multiple genetic factors that contribute collectively to behaviors like obesity and impulsivity.

Epigenetics

Epigenetics examines how environmental factors can turn genes on or off, illustrating genetic adaptability rather than deterministic blueprints.
Examples include environmental influences that lead to different traits in animals, such as domesticated foxes developing behaviors due to controlled breeding practices.

Evolution and Similarities

While human differences are prominent, shared genetic traits indicate a common genetic legacy with minimal genetic diversity among populations.
Fundamental human behaviors and emotions remain consistent across cultures, highlighting deep-seated similarities despite outward differences.

Individualism vs. Collectivism

Individualist cultures emphasize personal achievement and independence, while collectivist cultures stress social responsibilities and group harmony.
Trends in naming practices reflect individualism, with a decrease in the use of common names in the U.S. compared to Japan, where name choices are more communal.
Cultural differences also manifest in how achievements, such as Olympic medals, are attributed, with individualist cultures attributing success primarily to personal effort.

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Description

Explore the fascinating connection between early temperament and later emotional responses. This quiz delves into research findings about how newborn characteristics can predict behavior in preschoolers and beyond. Discover the significance of emotional reactivity through various stages of life.