Download Genetics and Evolution

Genetics
Nature vs. Nurture
Methodology
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Twin studies
Adoption studies
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Minnesota twin study, Bouchard et al. (combo)
identical twins more similar than fraternal
Temperaments
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Buss & Plomin
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Emotionality
Sociability
Activity level
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Interaction of Nature & Nurture
Environment effects genes
 PKU
 MAO and antisocial behavior
In males:
Low genotype + maltreatment  antisocial beh.
High genotype no inc. antisocial beh even with
maltreatment
Low genotype without maltreat.  slight inc, but
not significant
Environments
Shared
(relatively little effect compared to genes)
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Non-shared
Within Family (birth order, diff. treatment, events)
Outside Family (peers, school, events)
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Genes effect environment
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Examples:
Emotionality and attachment
Physical attractiveness and self-esteem
Genes and Personality
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No single gene,
instead multiple genes in complex
combinations and patterns,
turned on and off by experiences
Implications???
When we can genetically engineer personality,
should we ???
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Evolutionary Psychology
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Darwin
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Natural and Sexual Selection
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Basic assumptions
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Example
Gender Differences (Men are from Mars...)
Criticisms
Post-hoc explanation NOT proof
(not entirely fair criticism)
 Alternative interpretations
 Does not explain individual differences
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Is change possible???
Evolution marches on!
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