1. Myers’ EXPLORING PSYCHOLOGY (6th Ed)
Chapter 3
Nature & Nurture
Of Behavior
Based on info fm McCubbin, Myers, Lefton
Worth Publishers

2. Evolutionary Psychology
Study of evolution of behavior & mind, using principles of natural selection
Example
Helps explain gender differences in sexuality
Critics
Make too many hindsight explanations

3. Behavior Genetics
Study of relative power & limits of genetic & environmental influences on behavior
Heredity
Biological transmission of traits & characteristics from parents to offspring
Genes
Biochemical units of heredity; make up chromosomes
Environment
Every non-genetic influence

4. Behavior Genetics Twin studies Adoption studies Temperament studies
Identical twins
Develop from single fertilized egg
Fraternal twins
Develop from separate eggs
Adoption studies
Temperament studies
Temperament
Identical
twins
Fraternal
Same
sex only
Same or
opposite sex

5. Environmental Influence Examples
Parental influence
Account for less of personality & more for value & beliefs
Experience
Enriched environment activates & preserves neural connections
Peer influence
Culture

6. Genetic difference between sexes
Nature & Gender
Genetic difference between sexes
X Chromosome
Y Chromosome
Testosterone

7. Nurture & Gender Gender Role Gender Identity Gender-typing
Set of expected behaviors for males & females
Vary over time & across cultures
Gender Identity
One’s sense of being male or female
Gender-typing
Acquisition of traditional masculine or feminine role

8. Nurture & Gender Social Learning Theory Gender Schema Theory
Learn social behavior by observing & imitating & by being rewarded or punished
Gender Schema Theory
Learn from culture a concept of what it means to be male & female & adjust behavior accordingly

9. Nature & Nurture Genes & experience both important Work together
Environment reacting to & shaping what nature predisposes
Work together
Not ‘if’ but ‘how much’