AP PSYCHOLOGY Chapter 3 Vocabulary

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environment: refers to every nongenetic, or external, influence on our traits and behaviors. behavior genetics: the study of the relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behavior. chromosomes: threadlike structures made of DNA molecules that contain the genes DNA: (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a complex molecule containing the genetic information that makes up the chromosomes. genes: the biochemical units of heredity that make up the chromosomes; they are segments of the DNA molecules capable of synthesizing a protein. genome: the complete instructions for making an organism - consisting of all the genetic material in that organism's chromosomes identical twins: develop from a single fertilized egg that splits in two and therefore are genetically identical. fraternal twins: develop from two separate eggs fertilized by different sperrn and therefore are no more genetically similar than ordinary siblings. temperament: a person's characteristic emotional reactivity and intensity. heritability: the proportion of variation among individuals that we can attribute to genes. The ___________ of a trait may vary, depending on the range of populations and environments studied interaction: occurs when the effects of one factor (such as heredity) depends on another factor (such as environment). molecular genetics: the subfield of biology that studies the molecular structure and function of genes.

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evolutionary psychology: the study of evolution of behavior and the mind, using principles of natural selection. 14. natural selection: 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.
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mutation: a process in which the genetic material of a person, a plant or an animal changes in structure when it is passed on to children, causing different phycical characteristics to develop.

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gender: the biologically and socially influenced characteristic by which people define male and female. culture: the enduring behaviors, ideas, attitudes, and traditions shared by a large group of people and transmitted from one generation to the next. norms: understood social prescriptions, or rules, for accepted and expected behavior. personal space: personal space-the buffer zone we like to maintain around our bodies. individualism: Giving priority to one's own goals over group and defining one's identity in terms of personal sttributes rather than group identification. collectivism: sense of "we". priorities are given to a certain group. One's identity is defined accordingly aggression: physical or verbal behavior that is intended to hurt or harm someone. X Chromosome: the sex chromosome found in both men and women. Females have two of these chromosomes; males have one. One of these chromosome from each parent produces a female child. Y chromosome: the sex chromosome found only in males. When paired with an X chromosome from the mother, it produces a male child. testosterone: the principal male sex hormone. During prenatal development, it stimulates the development of the external male sex organs.

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role.: a culturally prescribed set of behaviors expected of those who occupy a particular social position. 27. gender role: a culturally prescribed set of behaviors for males and females.
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gender identity: one's personal sense of being male or female. gender-typing: the acquisition of a traditional feminine or masculine gender role. social learning theory: people learn social behavior (such as gender roles) by observing and imitating and by being rewarded or punished. gender schema theory: children acquire a cultural concept of what it means to be female or male and adjust their behavior accordingly.

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