Unit 1.1: Interaction of Heredity and the Environment

Question 1

Nature

Answer 1

The influence of heredity or genetic inheritance on behavior and mental processes.

Question 2

Nurture

Answer 2

The influence of environmental factors such as family, culture, education, and social interactions on behavior and mental processes.

Question 3

Heredity

Answer 3

The passing of physical and mental traits from one generation to the next through genes.

Question 4

Environmental Factors

Answer 4

External influences on development and behavior, including family life, education, social groups, and culture.

Question 5

Evolutionary Approach

Answer 5

A psychological perspective that uses principles of natural selection to study the roots of behavior and mental processes.

Question 6

Natural Selection

Answer 6

Darwin’s theory that traits beneficial for survival and reproduction are more likely to be passed on to future generations.

Question 7

Charles Darwin

Answer 7

A naturalist who developed the theory of evolution by natural selection; his work influenced the evolutionary perspective in psychology.

Question 8

Eugenics

Answer 8

A controversial and unethical movement aimed at improving the genetic quality of humans through selective breeding.

Question 9

Epigenetics

Answer 9

The study of how environmental factors and behavior can affect gene activity without changing the DNA sequence itself.

Question 10

Gene Expression

Answer 10

The process by which genes are turned on or off in response to environmental conditions.

Question 11

Plasticity

Answer 11

The brain’s ability to change and adapt as a result of experience, including the strengthening or weakening of neural connections.

Question 12

Minnesota Study of Twins Reared Apart

Answer 12

A famous study that examined identical twins raised in different environments to explore the effects of heredity and environment.

Question 13

Twin Studies

Answer 13

Research involving identical or fraternal twins to investigate genetic vs. environmental influences on traits and behaviors.

Question 14

Family Studies

Answer 14

Research that examines traits across family members to determine the influence of genetics and environment.

Question 15

Adoption Studies

Answer 15

Studies comparing adopted children to their biological and adoptive parents to assess the influence of genetics and environment.

Question 16

Colorado Adoption Project

Answer 16

A longitudinal study started in 1975 that examines the cognitive and psychological development of adopted and biological children.