Genetics and Behavior Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What do association studies primarily look for?

  • Differences in DNA sequences among individuals
  • Environmental influences on behavior
  • Correlations between genetic markers and behaviors (correct)
  • The inheritance patterns of traits in families

What is a key characteristic of Genome-wide association studies (GWAS)?

  • They exclusively focus on environmental influences.
  • They examine a large number of genetic variants. (correct)
  • They utilize very small sample sizes.
  • They compare monozygotic and dizygotic twins.

Which method directly investigates behavioral traits across generations?

  • Twin studies
  • Adoption studies
  • Linkage analysis
  • Family studies (correct)

What distinguishes GWAS from other genetic studies?

<p>It requires a comparison between individuals with and without targeted behaviors. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does linkage analysis focus on?

<p>Matching genetic variations with behavioral frequency. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of research compares behaviors of biological and adoptive parents with children?

<p>Adoption studies (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant benefit of using large sample sizes in GWAS?

<p>It reduces the impact of outliers on results. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase best describes the nature of the results from association studies?

<p>Correlational in nature (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of high concordance rates in monozygotic (MZ) twins compared to dizygotic (DZ) twins?

<p>It suggests that the trait or disorder is linked to genetic inheritance. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of twin studies mentioned in the content?

<p>It is difficult to isolate environmental influences. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do family studies differ from twin studies in behavioral genetics?

<p>Family studies provide a more representative sample of the general population. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'equal environment fallacy' in twin studies?

<p>Overestimating the similarity of the environment that twins grow up in. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In family studies, what percentage of genes do ordinary siblings share?

<p>50% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a prospective study in the context of behavioral genetics?

<p>A study where the sample is selected and observed before specific behaviors manifest. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What might high concordance rates for both MZ and DZ twins indicate?

<p>That both genetic and environmental factors may influence the behavior. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which group is expected to share the least amount of genetic material?

<p>First cousins (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the human genome project?

<p>To map and sequence the genetic make-up of the human species. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines the term 'phenotype'?

<p>The traits expressed by an organism due to genetic and environmental interactions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do dominant alleles require to express their traits?

<p>At least one allele from one of the chromosomes in the pair. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does behavioral genetics contribute to the understanding of human behavior?

<p>It explores the interplay between genetics and environmental influences. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are alleles?

<p>Different forms of a gene that can be dominant or recessive. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily responsible for the individual genetic makeup of a person?

<p>The genotype. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How many pairs of chromosomes are typically found in human cells?

<p>23 pairs (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about genotypes is true?

<p>Genotypes interact with environmental factors to shape characteristics. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What ethical concern is associated with following genetically vulnerable individuals for research on schizophrenia?

<p>It could cause undue stress from being labeled as vulnerable. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do adoption studies help researchers determine?

<p>The comparison between genetic and environmental influences on behavior. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a main criticism of adoption studies?

<p>They may not represent the general population. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is genetic mapping primarily used for in behavioral genetics?

<p>To discover specific genes associated with certain behaviors. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In genetic mapping, what is the purpose of examining the DNA for polymorphisms?

<p>To find genetic variations that may correlate with observed behavior. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a limitation of family studies regarding the investigation of genetic links to behavior?

<p>They cannot consider the impact of environmental factors. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What might a finding that adopted children are more similar to their biological parents than their adoptive parents suggest?

<p>There is a strong genetic influence on behavior. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of modern technology and the Human Genome Project in relation to behavioral genetics?

<p>To conduct more sophisticated research into genetic origins of behavior. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the diathesis-stress model suggest about the development of depression?

<p>A combination of genetic predisposition and environmental stress can lead to depression. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between genes and behavior according to the content?

<p>There is a bidirectional relationship where genes can influence behavior and vice versa. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a major controversy mentioned in the content regarding human behavior?

<p>The nature vs. nurture debate. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of studies are primarily used in genetic research to investigate the relationship between genetics and behavior?

<p>Correlation studies. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the concordance rate in genetic research?

<p>The probability that if one individual has a trait, the other will also have that trait. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In twin studies, what distinguishes identical twins from fraternal twins?

<p>Identical twins share the same egg, while fraternal twins come from different eggs. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what is the significance of higher genetic similarity in behavioral studies?

<p>It suggests that the genetic component of the behavior is more pronounced. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested about the inheritance of complex behaviors like intelligence or altruism?

<p>Complex behaviors may have genetic building blocks that are inherited. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Genetics

The study of how traits, both physical and behavioral, are passed down from parents to offspring.

Chromosome

A tightly wound strand of DNA found in every cell of the human body, carrying genetic information.

Gene

A specific segment of DNA located on a chromosome that determines a particular trait.

Alleles

Different versions of the same gene. For example, there are genes for eye color, and different alleles determine blue, brown, or green eyes.

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Genotype

The complete set of genetic material in an individual, representing the potential for traits.

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Phenotype

The observable characteristics of an individual, resulting from the interaction of genes and environment.

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Behavioral Genetics

The field of study that examines how genetic and environmental factors contribute to differences in behavior.

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Genetic Predisposition

The concept that an individual may inherit a predisposition for a certain behavior, but its expression may depend on environmental influences.

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Genetic Vulnerability Studies

A research method that tracks individuals considered genetically predisposed to schizophrenia over time to see if they develop the disorder.

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Adoption Studies

Research examining the role of genetics in behavior by comparing adopted children to their biological and adoptive parents and siblings.

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Selective Placement

A limitation of adoption studies where adoption agencies try to place children with families similar to their biological parents.

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Genetic Mapping (Linkage Analysis)

A technique used to identify specific genes associated with particular traits or behaviors.

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Polymorphisms

Variations in DNA sequences, used as markers to identify specific genes.

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Genetic Variant Correlation

Comparing variations in genes to observed behavior, aiming to identify specific genes responsible for specific traits.

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Family Studies in Behavioral Genetics

Studies that investigate the role of genetics in behavior by examining family members and their shared traits.

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Nature vs. Nurture Interaction

The challenge of separating genetic influences from environmental factors in research.

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Twin Research: Genetic Similarity

Identical twins share 100% of their genes. Fraternal twins share 50% of their genes.

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Twin Research: Concordance Rates

Comparing concordance rates (how often a trait or disorder appears in both twins) between MZ twins (identical) and DZ twins (fraternal).

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Twin Research: High Concordance in Both Types

A high concordance rate in both MZ and DZ twins may indicate a strong environmental influence on a trait or disorder.

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Twin Research: Equal Environment Fallacy

The assumption that identical twins have the same environmental experiences is flawed.

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Family Studies: Kinship

Using family members with various levels of genetic relatedness to study the inheritance of traits or disorders - siblings (50%), grandparents (25%), cousins (12.5%), etc.

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Prospective Family Studies

Observing individuals within a family with varying genetic relationships over time to understand trait inheritance.

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Behavioral Genetics: Family Studies & Twin Research

Studies that focus on family members with varying degrees of genetic relatedness to assess the impact of genes on behavioral traits.

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Diathesis-Stress Model

A model explaining the origins of psychological traits and disorders as the result of both genetic predisposition and environmental factors.

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Concordance Rate

The probability that if one individual has a specific trait, the other individual, who shares a certain degree of genetic similarity, will also have it.

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Twin Research

A research method that compares the concordance rate of a trait between identical twins (MZ) and fraternal twins (DZ).

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Family Studies (Kinship Studies)

Research based on studying the concordance rate of a trait between individuals with varying degrees of genetic relatedness.

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Correlation studies in Genetic Research

A research approach that examines the relationship between two variables, but cannot establish a cause-and-effect relationship.

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Nature vs. Nurture debate

The debate in psychology about whether human behavior is primarily determined by biological or environmental factors.

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Bidirectional Relationship

The idea that genetic and environmental factors are not isolated, but interact and influence each other.

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Twin Studies

A study where researchers compare behavioral traits of identical twins (MZ) and fraternal twins (DZ) to understand the influence of genetics and environment on a specific trait.

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Family Studies

A study that traces a specific characteristic through generations of a family to determine the likelihood of inheritance.

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Linkage Analysis

A method that uses genetic variations (polymorphisms) to identify potential links with specific behaviors.

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Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS)

A large-scale study that examines genetic variations across the entire genome, looking for links between those variations and specific traits.

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Association Studies

A technique used in GWAS to look for correlations between genetic markers and specific behaviors.

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Genetic Markers

Specific pieces of DNA used as markers in association studies to identify potential links with traits.

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Association Study

A study that looks for correlations between genetic markers and a specific behaviour.

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Study Notes

Genetics and Behavior

  • Genetics is the study of heredity, focusing on how physiological and psychological traits are inherited.
  • Genetic material is DNA, contained within chromosomes, which are tightly wound DNA strands.
  • Human cells (except egg and sperm) have 23 chromosome pairs, each with approximately 20,000-25,000 genes.
  • The Human Genome Project (1990-2003) mapped the human genetic makeup.
  • Alleles are different forms of a gene, either dominant or recessive. Dominant alleles express the trait even if only one copy is present. Recessive alleles only express the trait if two copies are present.
  • Genes influence physical and behavioral traits, but these are not solely determined by genes. Environment plays a significant role.
  • Genotype is an individual's genetic makeup.
  • Phenotype is an individual's observable characteristics.
  • There's a bidirectional relationship between genetics and the environment.

Behavioral Genetics

  • Behavioral genetics explores the contribution of both genetics and environment to individual differences in behavior.
  • Psychologists recognize a potential genetic predisposition for certain behaviors, but express these predispositions do not always manifest due environmental factors.
  • Common belief is that complex behaviors like intelligence, criminality, and attachment are likely not caused by a single gene, but rather a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
  • There is an ongoing debate about the nature versus nurture discussion, in that both environmental and genetic factors play a role in defining human behaviors.

Methodology in Genetic Research

  • Genetic research primarily relies on correlation, not causation. It finds relationships between traits but does not prove that one causes the other.
  • Several correlation studies are used, including twin studies, family studies, and adoption studies.
  • Twin studies: Compare identical (monozygotic) and fraternal (dizygotic) twins to understand genetic vs. environmental influences. Identical twins share greater similarity than fraternal twins.
  • Family studies: Examine genetic relatedness across generations to see whether characteristics run in families.
  • Adoption studies: Compare adopted children to biological and adoptive parents to evaluate genetic vs. environmental effects.

Sophisticated Genetic Research Methods

  • Genetic mapping: Identifying alleles (variant forms of a gene) of particular genes to create genetic maps.
  • Genome-wide association studies (GWAS): Large-scale studies that analyze many genetic markers in a large population to identify genes associated with traits or behavior. By comparing DNA markers of people with and without a trait to see if genes are over or underrepresented in individuals with a trait.

Summary of Research Approaches

  • Twin studies, family studies, and adoption studies assess the relative contributions of genetics and environment in the development of various characteristics.
  • Genetic mapping and GWAS provide more sophisticated methods to investigate the relationship between genes and behavior.

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