Understanding Heredity, Environment & Genetic Research PDF

Using the source provided, respond to all Science Practice: parts of the question in your warm-up: In a recent psychology research study, scientists explored the connection between (A) Identify the research individuals' mindfulness levels an...

Using the source provided, respond to all Science Practice: parts of the question in your warm-up: In a recent psychology research study, scientists explored the connection between (A) Identify the research individuals' mindfulness levels and their brain activity patterns. Participants completed method used in the study. self-reported measures of mindfulness and underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans to capture brain activity. By examining the collected data, researchers aimed to discern any potential relationships between participants' reported mindfulness levels and the observed brain activity patterns. Using the source provided, respond to all (A) Identify the research method used in the parts of the question in your warm-up: study In a recent psychology research study, The research study described in scientists explored the connection between the summary likely represents a individuals' mindfulness levels and their brain correlational study. This is activity patterns. Participants completed self-reported measures of mindfulness and because it investigates the underwent functional magnetic resonance relationship or connection between imaging (fMRI) scans to capture brain two variables (mindfulness levels activity. By examining the collected data, and brain activity patterns) without researchers aimed to discern any potential relationships between participants' reported manipulation of an independent mindfulness levels and the observed brain variable. activity patterns.  DAY Explain the relationship between heredity and THURS environment in shaping behavior and mental 9TH SEPT. 1 processes. ❒ → Science Practice ❒ Module 1.4a Textbook Reading (Myers 4th) → Understanding Heredity, Environment, and Genetic ❒ Unit Project Packet Research Lecture → “Are You a Natural?”40 Studies that Changed Psychology. Evolutionary Perspective the study of how psychological traits and behaviors have evolved over time to enhance survival and reproductive success. Seeks to understand universal human From an evolutionary perspective, psychologists propose that humans behaviors and mental processes have evolved mechanisms to detect and respond to threats rapidly. For example, the fight-or-flight response, where the body prepares to through the lens of evolutionary either confront a threat or flee from it, is thought to have evolved as a principles. survival mechanism. Research has shown that certain fears, such as fear of snakes or spiders, may be innate and more easily acquired than other fears. This is believed to be because these creatures posed significant threats to our ancestors and those who quickly learned to fear them were more likely to survive and pass on their genes. Natural Selection the process by which organisms with traits that are better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those advantageous traits to future generations. Natural Selection and Social Intelligence It explains how psychological traits and Evolutionary Advantage: Individuals with better social intelligence behaviors have evolved over time in had advantages in forming alliances, gaining social status, and accessing resources crucial for survival and reproduction. response to environmental pressures. Natural Selection: Favored the development of cognitive abilities like empathy, theory of mind, emotional regulation, and social communication, enhancing reproductive success and trait transmission.  Traits inherited from parents (like eye Nature “Genes” are the inherent color) biological and genetic factors that influence How our brain is structured an individual's psychological development, Our natural temperament (like being traits, behaviors, and cognitive abilities. shy or outgoing) How smart we are Our chances of having certain mental health conditions Basic instincts we're born with (like crying when we're hungry) Genetic disorders that affect our behavior or thinking  Early childhood experiences Nurture “Environment” the Parenting styles and methods environmental influences and experiences Social relationships (friendships, family that shape an individual's psychological dynamics) development, behaviors, and cognitive Surrounding culture (cultural norms, processes. societal expectations) Educational opportunities and experiences Socioeconomic status and access to resources Exposure to media and technology Life events and significant experiences  Characteristic Nature Nurture (Genetics) (Environment)  Addiction (e.g., to substances like drugs or alcohol) Nature Nurture (Genetics) (Environment)  Creativity Nature Nurture (Genetics) (Environment)  Twin Studies Adoption Studies Family Studies Examines similarities and differences between identical (monozygotic) and fraternal (dizygotic) twins to assess the relative influence of genetics and environment on traits and behaviors.  Twin Studies Adoption Studies Family Studies Examines similarities and differences Investigates similarities between between identical (monozygotic) adopted children and their and fraternal (dizygotic) twins to biological and adoptive families assess the relative influence of to assess the impact of genetics genetics and environment on traits versus environment on various traits and behaviors. and behaviors.  Twin Studies Adoption Studies Family Studies Examines similarities and differences Investigates similarities between Analyzes similarities and differences between identical (monozygotic) adopted children and their among family members, including and fraternal (dizygotic) twins to biological and adoptive families parents and siblings, to understand assess the relative influence of to assess the impact of genetics the interplay of genetics and genetics and environment on traits versus environment on various traits environment in shaping traits and and behaviors. and behaviors. behaviors within a family unit. Heredity the transmission of genetic information from biological parents to offspring. Heritability in psychology helps us figure out how much of our traits Research has consistently shown that intelligence has a hereditary come from our genes and how much component, meaning that a significant portion of individual differences in intelligence can be attributed to genetic factors passed down from comes from our environment. parents to their offspring. Twin studies, for instance, have demonstrated that identical twins, who share 100% of their genetic material, tend to have more similar IQ scores than fraternal twins, who share approximately 50% of their genetic material on average. Adoption studies also provide evidence for the heritability of intelligence, as adopted children typically show greater similarity in intelligence to their biological parents than to their adoptive parents. Genetic Predisposition the inherited likelihood of developing specific traits or conditions due to genetic factors from biological parents. Research has shown that individuals with a family history of anxiety disorders are more likely to develop similar conditions themselves compared to those without such a family history. This suggests that genetic predispositions play a significant role in determining an individual's vulnerability to anxiety disorders. For example, if a person's parent or sibling has been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, they may have a higher likelihood of experiencing similar symptoms themselves, even if they have not experienced the same environmental stressors. This highlights the influence of genetic factors in shaping psychological traits and susceptibility to certain mental health conditions. Here's a list of some traits and behaviors that research suggests people may have a genetic predisposition for: Anxiety disorders Personality traits (e.g., Depression introversion/extroversion) Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder Aggression or impulsivity (ADHD) Obesity and body weight regulation Bipolar disorder Risk-taking behavior Schizophrenia Chronic pain conditions Alcoholism and substance use disorders Sleep disorders (e.g., insomnia) Autism spectrum disorders Sensory processing sensitivity (e.g., Intelligence sensitivity to sounds or textures) Eugenics the belief in improving the genetic quality of a human population by controlling reproduction to increase desirable traits and decrease undesirable ones. This concept has historically been associated with discriminatory practices, including forced sterilization and selective breeding, based on flawed ideas of racial superiority The tree image associated with eugenics often symbolizes the concept and genetic determinism. of a "family tree" or lineage, representing the hereditary transmission of traits and characteristics from one generation to the next. In the context of eugenics, this imagery was used to promote the idea of selective breeding to "improve" the genetic quality of the human population. “Are You a Natural?”40 Studies that Changed Psychology. Students will work collaboratively in small groups to analyze specific components of the research design. Using guided questions, they will discuss the strengths and limitations of the research design. 1. Which of the following research designs would be most effective in disentangling the effects of nature and nurture in the development of intelligence? A) Case studies B) Surveys C) Twin studies D) Experimental designs 1. Which of the following research designs would be most effective in disentangling the effects of nature and nurture in the development of intelligence? A) Case studies B) Surveys C) Twin studies D) Experimental designs 2. Which of the following scenarios is an application of the evolutionary perspective to understanding human behavior? A) Analyzing how fear responses may have offered survival advantages. B) Observing the effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive functions. C) Studying the impact of reward systems on student performance. D) All of the above. 2. Which of the following scenarios is an application of the evolutionary perspective to understanding human behavior? A) Analyzing how fear responses may have offered survival advantages. B) Observing the effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive functions. C) Studying the impact of reward systems on student performance. D) All of the above. 3. Anna and Beth are identical twins who were separated at birth and raised in very different environments. Anna grew up in a suburban, middle-class family, while Beth was raised in a rural, low-income area. Despite these differences, both excel in athletics and have similar temperaments. This scenario best demonstrates the influence of: (A) Nurture (B) Nature (C) Adoption studies (D) Family studies 3. Anna and Beth are identical twins who were separated at birth and raised in very different environments. Anna grew up in a suburban, middle-class family, while Beth was raised in a rural, low-income area. Despite these differences, both excel in athletics and have similar temperaments. This scenario best demonstrates the influence of: (A) Nurture (B) Nature (C) Adoption studies (D) Family studies 4. In a study of siblings, one sibling develops a mental health disorder while the other does not, despite similar upbringings. This differential susceptibility is most likely due to: (A) Family studies (B) Natural selection (C) Nurture (D) Genetic predisposition 4. In a study of siblings, one sibling develops a mental health disorder while the other does not, despite similar upbringings. This differential susceptibility is most likely due to: (A) Family studies (B) Natural selection (C) Nurture (D) Genetic predisposition 5. Considering the evolutionary perspective, which trait would most likely have been favored by natural selection in early human societies? (A) Aggression, as it increases chances of survival and resource acquisition (B) Passivity, as it promotes group harmony (C) Dependence on others, as it could lead to neglect (D) Inability to feel pain, as it could lead to severe injuries 5. Considering the evolutionary perspective, which trait would most likely have been favored by natural selection in early human societies? (A) Aggression, as it increases chances of survival and resource acquisition (B) Passivity, as it promotes group harmony (C) Dependence on others, as it could lead to neglect (D) Inability to feel pain, as it could lead to severe injuries