Chapter 3 - Nature, Nurture, and Human Diversity

Question 1

behavior genetics

Answer 1

The study of the relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behavior

Question 2

chromosomes

Answer 2

threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain the genes

Question 3

DNA

Answer 3

A complex molecule containing the genetic information that makes up the chromosomes

Question 4

genes

Answer 4

The biochemical units of heredity that makes up the chromosomes; a segment of DNA capable of synthesizing a protein

Question 5

genome

Answer 5

The complete instructions for making an organism, consisting of all the genetic material in that organisms chromosomes

Question 6

identical twins

Answer 6

twins who develop from a single fertilized egg that splits in two, creating two genetically identical organisms

Question 7

fraternal twins

Answer 7

twins who develop from separate fertilized eggs. They are genetically no closer than Brothers and sisters, but they share a fetal environment

Question 8

temperament

Answer 8

A persons characteristic emotional reactivity and intensity

Question 9

heritability

Answer 9

The proportion of variation among individuals that we can attribute to genes. The heritability of a trait may vary, depending on the range of populations and environments studied

Question 10

interaction

Answer 10

The effect of one factor (such as environment) depends on another factor (such as heredity)

Question 11

molecular genetics

Answer 11

The subfield of biology that studies the molecular structure and function of genes.

Question 12

evolutionary psychology

Answer 12

The study of the evolution of behavior and the mind, using principles of natural selection

Question 13

natural selection

Answer 13

The principle that, among the range of inherited trait variations, those that lead to increased reproduction and survival will most likely be passed on to succeeding generations

Question 14

mutation

Answer 14

A random error in gene replication that leads to a change

Question 15

gender

Answer 15

in psychology, the biologically and socially influenced characteristics by which people define male and female

Question 16

culture

Answer 16

The enduring behaviors, ideas, attitudes, values, and traditions shared by a group of people and transmitted from one generation to the next

Question 17

norm

Answer 17

an understood rule for accepted and expected behavior. Norms prescribe “proper behavior”

Question 18

personal space

Answer 18

The buffer zone we like to maintain around our bodies

Question 19

individualism

Answer 19

giving priority to one’s own goals over group goals and defining one’s identity in terms of personal attributes rather than group identifications

Question 20

collectivism

Answer 20

giving priority to the goals of one’s group (often ones extended family or work group) and defining one’s identity accordingly

Question 21

aggression

Answer 21

physical or verbal behavior intended to hurt someone

Question 22

X chromosome

Answer 22

The sex chromosome found in both men and women. females have 2 X chromosomes; males have one. an X chromosome from each parent produces a female child

Question 23

Y chromosome

Answer 23

The sex chromosome found only in males. When paired with an X chromosome from the mother, it produces a male child

Question 24

testosterone

Answer 24

The most important part of the male sex hormones. Both males and females have it, but the additional testosterone in males stimulates the growth of the male sex organs in the fetus and the development of the male sex characteristics during puberty

Question 25

role

Answer 25

A set of expectations (norms) about about a social position, defining how those in the position ought to behave

Question 26

gender role

Answer 26

A set of expected behaviors for males and for females

Question 27

gender identity

Answer 27

one’s sense of being male or female

Question 28

gender typing

Answer 28

The acquisition of a traditional masculine or feminine role

Question 29

social learning theory

Answer 29

The theory that we can learn social behavior by observing and imitating and by being rewarded or punished

Question 30

gender schema theory

Answer 30

The theory that children learn from their cultures a concept of what it means to be a male and female and that they adjust their behavior accordingly

Question 31

environment

Answer 31

Every nongenetic influence, from prenatal nutrition to the people and things around us