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A researcher discovers that identical twins, even when raised separately, exhibit strikingly similar levels of neuroticism. What conclusion is best supported by this finding?
A researcher discovers that identical twins, even when raised separately, exhibit strikingly similar levels of neuroticism. What conclusion is best supported by this finding?
- Genetic factors play a significant role in the development of neuroticism. (correct)
- Environmental factors are the primary determinants of neuroticism.
- Unique environmental experiences completely negate genetic predispositions.
- Neuroticism is primarily influenced by shared environmental factors.
Which scenario exemplifies the concept of gene-environment correlation regarding personality development?
Which scenario exemplifies the concept of gene-environment correlation regarding personality development?
- A child with a genetic predisposition for extroversion avoids social situations due to parental restrictions.
- A child with a genetic predisposition for athleticism actively seeks out and excels in sports. (correct)
- An introverted child is randomly assigned to a highly interactive classroom, forcing them to socialize.
- A naturally calm child is placed in a chaotic and stressful home environment, leading to anxiety.
How might damage to the frontal lobe impact an individual's personality, according to the information provided?
How might damage to the frontal lobe impact an individual's personality, according to the information provided?
- Decreased risk-taking behavior and improved decision-making.
- Increased emotional stability and decreased impulsivity.
- Improved memory and enhanced cognitive function.
- Impulsivity, difficulty planning, and altered emotional experiences. (correct)
An individual with heightened activity in their amygdala is MOST likely to exhibit which behavioral pattern?
An individual with heightened activity in their amygdala is MOST likely to exhibit which behavioral pattern?
Which statement BEST describes the relationship between neurotransmitters and personality traits?
Which statement BEST describes the relationship between neurotransmitters and personality traits?
Flashcards
Behavioral Genetics
Behavioral Genetics
The study of the degree to which genes and environmental factors influence personality.
Heritability
Heritability
The percentage of variance in a trait within a population that is attributable to genetic factors.
Amygdala
Amygdala
The brain region associated with evaluating environmental threats and coordinating fight-or-flight responses.
Dopamine
Dopamine
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Reciprocal Determinism
Reciprocal Determinism
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Study Notes
- Biology studies living organisms and their morphology, physiology, anatomy, behavior, origin, and distribution.
- Personality is a combination of characteristics or qualities making an individual distinctive.
- Personality, biologically, is a set of characteristics that drive individual differences in human behavior, traced to brain structures and neural mechanisms.
- The biological perspective on personality links personality traits to biology, DNA, and brain processes.
- The biological approach identifies brain areas, pathways, hormones, and neurotransmitters associated with personality development.
- Genes are units of heredity transferred from parents to offspring, determining characteristics.
- Genetics studies genes, genetic variation, and heredity.
- Psychologists evaluate and study behavior and mental processes, requiring a university degree in psychology.
- DNA interacts with the environment to determine which genes are expressed.
- Small DNA changes help determine uniqueness, affecting looks, abilities, brain functioning, and other characteristics for a cohesive personality.
- Studies of 350 pairs of twins showed identical twins have similar personalities, whether raised together or apart, unlike fraternal twins.
- Traits are determined by a combination of genes and environmental factors that control gene expression.
Brain and Personality
- Sigmund Freud's psychodynamic theory proposed the id, ego, and superego as the basis of human personality.
- Freud believed these concepts could explain individual behavior based on unconscious motives and unresolved childhood conflicts.
Freud's Theory
- Freud (1856-1939) founded psychoanalysis.
- He proposed the first complete theory of personality.
- A person's thoughts and behaviors emerge from tension generated by unconscious motives and unresolved childhood conflicts.
Characteristics of Personality
- The Big 5 personality traits, originally developed in 1949 by Daniel Willard Fiske, were expanded upon by researchers like Norman (1967), Smith (1967), Goldberg (1981), and McCrae & Costa (1987).
Five Factor Model of Personality
- Openness is the degree to which people enjoy experiencing new stimuli.
- Conscientiousness is the degree to which people are dutiful and goal-oriented.
- Extraversion is the degree to which people seek stimuli outside of themselves.
- Agreeableness is the degree to which people aim to cooperate and please others.
- Neuroticism is the degree to which people are emotionally unstable.
- Conscientiousness ranges from impulsive/disorganized to disciplined/careful.
- Agreeableness ranges from suspicious/uncooperative to trusting/helpful.
- Neuroticism ranges from calm/confident to anxious/pessimistic.
- Openness to Experience means preferring routine/conforming vs. imaginative/independent.
Dopamine
- Dopamine is a neurotransmitter promoting exploratory behavior.
- Dopaminergic pathways correlate with the extraversion trait.
- Monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzyme has an affinity for dopamine and is correlated with sensation seeking.
- Dopamine and Serotonin are neurotransmitters, carrying chemical messages between nerve cells, and act as "happy hormones" for positive mood and emotion.
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Description
Explore the intersection of personality and biology, examining how genes, brain structures, and neural mechanisms influence individual differences in behavior. Learn about the biological perspective on personality, genetics, and the role of DNA.
