Podcast
Questions and Answers
What aspect of human traits indicates that both genetics and environmental factors contribute differently to individual variance?
What aspect of human traits indicates that both genetics and environmental factors contribute differently to individual variance?
Which statement correctly describes the relationship between shared and non-shared environmental influences?
Which statement correctly describes the relationship between shared and non-shared environmental influences?
What conclusion can be drawn about the heritability of typical human traits?
What conclusion can be drawn about the heritability of typical human traits?
What type of environmental influences are highlighted as particularly important in differentiating individuals from one another?
What type of environmental influences are highlighted as particularly important in differentiating individuals from one another?
Signup and view all the answers
Which of the following best defines shared environmental influences?
Which of the following best defines shared environmental influences?
Signup and view all the answers
What does heritability measure within a population?
What does heritability measure within a population?
Signup and view all the answers
What is the heritability of intelligence among poor children based on the data?
What is the heritability of intelligence among poor children based on the data?
Signup and view all the answers
Which type of twins share 100% of their genetic material?
Which type of twins share 100% of their genetic material?
Signup and view all the answers
Which statement accurately represents the findings from twin studies regarding personality traits?
Which statement accurately represents the findings from twin studies regarding personality traits?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the concept of genotype refer to?
What does the concept of genotype refer to?
Signup and view all the answers
What is a key limitation of Mendelian genetics according to the provided content?
What is a key limitation of Mendelian genetics according to the provided content?
Signup and view all the answers
What percentage of genetic material do humans share with dogs and horses?
What percentage of genetic material do humans share with dogs and horses?
Signup and view all the answers
In behavioral genetics, what factor influences the heritability of traits aside from genetics?
In behavioral genetics, what factor influences the heritability of traits aside from genetics?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Heritability
- Heritability is the proportion of variance in a population attributed to genetics.
- Calculated as genetic variance divided by observed variance.
- Assumes a genetic-environmental interaction.
- Heritability of intelligence varies significantly by socioeconomic status; .72 in wealthy children vs. .10 in poor children (Turkheimer, 2003).
- Overall heritability for human traits generally falls between 0.3 and 0.6.
Heritable Psychological Traits
- All traits have some degree of heritability, but environment also plays a role.
- Examples include intelligence, personality, motivations, goals, and interests.
- Twin studies show correlations for personality traits:
- Monozygotic (MZ) twins (100% shared genes) have a .45 correlation on personality traits.
- Dizygotic (DZ) (50% shared genes) twins have a .21 correlation on personality traits.
Genetics
-
Key Terms:
- DNA: Genetic material in cells.
- Chromosomes: Structures containing genes.
- Base pairs (A-T, C-G): Part of DNA's structure.
- SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism): DNA variations.
- Gene: DNA segment responsible for protein production.
- Allele: Different versions of a gene.
- Genotype: Genetic makeup.
- Phenotype: Observable traits.
-
Key Concepts:
- Mendelian Genetics (Gregor Mendel): Explained dominant and recessive traits in pea plants, but overly simplistic for complex human traits.
Human Genetics
- Genetic Transmission: Each parent contributes half the genetic material.
- Genetic Similarity: Humans share 99.5% of their genetic material, but minor variations (alleles) cause trait differences.
- Shared Ancestry: Human genes share 80% similarity with dogs and horses, highlighting common evolutionary origins.
Twin Studies
- Monozygotic (MZ) Twins: Genetically identical (100% shared).
- Dizygotic (DZ) Twins: Share 50% of their genes.
- Twin studies examine the contribution of genetics and environment to traits by comparing MZ and DZ twins.
- Environmental influences, such as parenting styles, impact twin outcomes.
Behavioral Genetics Laws (Turkheimer, 2000 / Chabris, 2015)
- All human behavioral traits are heritable.
- Genetic influences are more substantial than shared environmental influences.
- Neither genetics nor shared environment fully explain all traits; non-shared environment and error also play roles.
- Traits are influenced by many genes, each contributing a small amount.
Environmental Influences
- Shared Environment: Factors making family members more similar (e.g., parenting, socioeconomic status). These factors can not cover all environmental variables.
- Non-shared Environment: Factors making family members different (e.g., individual experiences, errors in measurement). Individual experiences interact with genetics in many ways.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore the concept of heritability and its implications in psychology. This quiz covers genetic variance, the impact of socioeconomic status on intelligence, and twin studies related to personality traits. Test your understanding of how genetics and environment interact to shape human traits.
