Psy1102B: Chapter Four

Front 1

(Blank) are larger than DNA, and (blank) is smaller than DNA.

Back 1

1. Chromosomes.

2. Genes.

Front 2

Typically, humans receive (blank) chromosomes from each of our parents.

Back 2

Twenty-three.

Front 3

Define genes.

Back 3

Biochemical units of heredity that make up segments of DNA in chromosomes that are capable of synthesizing proteins.

Front 4

Define environment.

Back 4

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

Front 5

Approximately how many genes exist in the human body?

Back 5

Between 20,000 and 25,000.

Front 6

Define genome.

Back 6

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

Front 7

What is the difference between monozygotic twins and dizygotic twins?

Back 7

Monozygotic twins are clones with the same DNA; dizygotic twins have different DNA and are distinct siblings that happen to have been conceived on the same day.

Front 8

Humans and chimpanzees are (blank) identical at functionally important DNA sites.

Back 8

99.4%.

Front 9

What two factors may account for variability between monozygotic twins?

Back 9

1. They do not necessarily have the same number of copies of every gene.

2. 33% of monozygotic twins had separate placentae at birth, one of which may have received better nourishment in the womb.

Front 10

If one identical sibling has autism spectrum disorder, what is the chance that the other sibling(s) would also be on the spectrum? What about in fraternal twins?

Back 10

1. 75%.

2. 33%.

Front 11

Adoption studies have indicated that personality and intelligence are mostly influenced by (blank) and not by (blank).

Back 11

1. Genes.

2. Environment.

Front 12

Which aspect in monozygotic twin studies is the only one to have a 100% concordance rate?

Back 12

Blood type.

Front 13

What are the three main adoption studies in which psychologists partake for better understanding the nature versus nurture effect?

Back 13

1. Comparing identical twins to fraternal twins (independent variable: genes).

2. Comparing identical twins who were separated at birth with those reared together (independent variable: environment).

3. Comparing adopted children to biological and adopted parents (nature versus nurture).

Front 14

True or false: adoptees are more similar to their adoptive parents than to their biological parents.

Back 14

False.

Front 15

True or false: children raised in the same environment will not necessarily have the same personality.

Back 15

True. The environment has virtually no impact on personality.

Front 16

True or false: children reared together will have more similar religious and political beliefs compared to those raised apart.

Back 16

True. These traits are inherited through the environment.

Front 17

Define temperament.

Back 17

An aspect of personality that refers to emotional reactivity and excitability and is genetically influenced.

Front 18

Define heritability.

Back 18

The extent to which genes influence the variation amongst our characteristics.

Front 19

Heritability cannot be used on a (blank) basis and only refers to variations within a (blank).

Back 19

1. Individual.

2. Group (or population).

Front 20

If the environment were exactly the same, any differences in personality, intelligence, etc. would be rightfully attributed to variations in (blank).

Back 20

Heredity.

Front 21

Clones have (blank) heritability due to a lack of gene variation.

Back 21

Zero.

Front 22

Define epigenetics.

Back 22

The study of influences on gene expression that occur without a DNA change.

Front 23

Define gene expression.

Back 23

The activation and deactivation of traits due to extrinsic environmental influences.

Front 24

Define histones.

Back 24

Proteins that attach themselves to DNA that impact gene expression.

Front 25

In layman's terms, histones are the (blank), and the genes are the (blank) waiting to be activated (or programmed).

Back 25

1. Software.

2. Hardware.

Front 26

The (blank) of DNA is important in determining function.

Back 26

Structure.

Front 27

Define methyl groups. Why can they be dangerous?

Back 27

1. DNA instructions made from Carbon and Hydrogen.

2. Mistakes can be made which result in diseases such as cancer or dysfunctions such as arthritis.

Front 28

South Koreans and North Koreans have genetically similar ancestry; however, South Koreans now stand (blank) inches taller than North Koreans due to a difference in (blank).

Back 28

1. Six.

2. Diet.

Front 29

The effects of genes and the environment on traits are not (blank).

Back 29

Additive.

Front 30

True or false: a single gene can define a characteristic; therefore, we can pinpoint an "anxiety" gene and an "anger" gene directly.

Back 30

False. Multiple genes code functions. Structure matters. A single gene cannot be targeted or defined as causing a certain trait, disorder, disease, etc.

Front 31

True or false: the environment affects individuals, but individuals do not affect the environment.

Back 31

False. The environment and individuals interact. Each influence one another.

Front 32

True or false: genes can be turned on or off by environmental exposure to drugs, medical conditions, trauma, and sleep.

Back 32

True.

Front 33

Define molecular genetics.

Back 33

Subfield of biology specializing in the study of molecular structures and the functions of genes.

Front 34

Define gene complex.

Back 34

A group of genes that work together to influence a trait.

Front 35

Body weight, blood pressure and susceptibility to schizophrenia are all examples of traits affected by (blank).

Back 35

Gene complexes.

Front 36

What makes molecular behaviour genetics different from molecular genetics?

Back 36

Molecular behaviour genetics has an innate focus on psychological variables than on biological variables.

Front 37

(Blank) is what is written in pen. (Blank) is what is written in pencil. What does this mean?

Back 37

1. DNA.

2. Epigenetics.

3. DNA cannot be changed, but factors affecting epigenetics can be changed.

Front 38

Define mutation.

Back 38

A random error in gene replication that leads to an unprecedented change.

Front 39

Belyaev's experiment with foxes is a prime example of (blank).

Back 39

Artificial natural selection.

Front 40

What is the difference between natural selection and artificial natural selection?

Back 40

In natural selection, traits that are adaptive and encourage the survival and reproduction of a species are prioritized. In artificial natural selection, traits that interest humans are prioritized, which may or may not improve (or hinder) the species' chance for survival.

Front 41

What percentage of genetic variations occur within a population? What does this suggest in terms of genetic diversity?

Back 41

1. 95%.

2. If a natural disaster eradicted all of mankind except one particular population i.e. Japanese, there would be enough genetic variation within that same population to support genetic diversity for future generations.

Front 42

Men across cultures have reported having a higher (blank) than women. Furthermore, men have reported more interest in (blank) and are more concerned with their partner's (blank) than women.

Back 42

1. Sex drive.

2. Uncommitted sex.

3. Physical appearance (or attractiveness).

Front 43

Which evolutionary factors may explain why women are typically "pickier" when choosing a "mate"?

Back 43

1. More at stake (gestational period).

2. Fertility limitations and time-sensitivities.

3. Value men who offer support and protection.

Front 44

Define social script. How do social scripts apply particularly to women?

Back 44

1. A culture's guide to how people should act in certain situations.

2. Promiscuity is frowned upon in women, but celebrated in men.

Front 45

Define genetic determinism. How does this concept apply to the idea that men are "naturally" promiscuous?

Back 45

1. The mechanism by which genes, along with environmental conditions, determine morphological and behavioral phenotypes.

2. Men cannot blame their promiscuity on genetic determinism, as evolution has favoured the development of rational and conscious thought processes and development in humans, including men.

Front 46

Define interaction.

Back 46

The interplay that occurs when the effect of one factor (i.e. the environment) depends on another factor (i.e. heredity).

Front 47

Define gene-environment interaction. Give an example of how this affects women.

Back 47

Biological appearance has social consequences. An attractive woman automatically receives more favourable treatment than a woman who has been deemed culturally unattractive.

Front 48

In 1962, Rosenzweig and Krech headed a study on brain development in rats. Describe this study. What did they learn?

Back 48

1. The study compared the brain cell development of a rat in an impoverished environment versus that of a rat in an enriched environment.

2. Enrichment (i.e. stimulation) is crucial in brain development.

Front 49

Babies who are handled physically by their mothers experience (blank), (blank) better and exhibit improved (blank) ten years later.

Back 49

1. Less stress.

2. Sleep.

3. Cognitive development.

Front 50

Why is it easier for a prepubescent child to learn a new skill or language compared to a child who has reached puberty or an adult? State an expression in English that characterizes this situation.

Back 50

1. The synapses that contribute to developing these new skills have lost neural pathways in the brain due to underuse.

2. "Use it or lose it".

Front 51

Define plasticity. How does plasticity assist in the development of new skills and the mastery of known ones?

Back 51

1. The brain's ability to reorganize neural tissue in response to new experiences or to trauma.

2. Humans can use underused parts of the brain to master new skills. After trauma, it is possible - in some cases - to reorganize the neural tissue to "pick up the slack" of lost connections.

Front 52

Define the selection effect. How is this influential in peer relationships? What does this suggest about parental influences?

Back 52

1. The idea that peers seek out others who share similar interests and attitudes.

2. Students who pick up interests or attitudes typically acquire them from their peers.

3. Parents are less to blame for their children's successes and failures.

Front 53

Define culture. Where do adolescents learn their culture?

Back 53

1. Culture is the behaviours, ideas, attitudes, values and traditions shared by a group of people that are transmitted from one generation to the next.

2. From their peers and environment.

Front 54

How does human and animal culture differ?

Back 54

Animal culture has remained static for thousands of years; human culture benefits from the preservation of innovation.

Front 55

Define norm.

Back 55

An understood rule for accepted and expected behaviour (otherwise called "proper" behaviour).

Front 56

Define individualism. Which cultures are predominantly individualism-oriented?

Back 56

1. Giving priority to one's own goals over group goals and defining one's identity in terms of personal attributes rather than group identification.

2. American, Australian, New Zealand, Western Europe.

Front 57

Define collectivism. Which cultures are predominantly collectivism-oriented?

Back 57

1. Giving priority to the goals of one's group (often one's extended family or work group) and defining one's identity by the group.

2. Chinese, Japanese.