Premium Essay

Genetic and Environmental Aspect of Human Behavior, with Special Attention on Genetic Factors and Ethical Behavior

In:

Submitted By lakminied12
Words 1495
Pages 6
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Human behavior is influenced both by the genes that we inherit and the environment in which we live. Some researchers are attempting to locate specific genes or groups of genes, associated with behavioral traits and to understand the complex relationship between genes and the environment. This is called research in behavioral genetics. In contrast to research into the genetic basis of diseases and disorders, researchers in behavioral genetics investigate aspects of our personalities such as intelligence, sexual orientation, susceptibility to aggression and other antisocial conduct, and tendencies towards extraversion and novelty-seeking.

2.0 WHAT IS BEHAVIORAL GENETICS?
Research in the field of behavioral genetics aims to find out how genes influence our behavior. Researchers are trying to identify particular genes, or groups of genes, that are associated with behavioral traits, and investigating the role of environmental factors.

There are several reasons why it is so difficult to find which genes have an effect on behavioral traits: more than one gene may contribute to a trait, with many genes each having a small effect; a gene may affect more than one trait (for example in mice, memory and sensitivity to pain have been found to be linked); the action of a gene depends on the presence of other genes; environmental factors may contribute to a trait; genes and the environment interact together in different ways; and genes do not have a continuous effect throughout our bodies or for all of our lives.
It is unlikely that variation in just one gene contributes to a behavioral trait. The term a ‘gene for X’ is very misleading and does not convey the complexity of genetic factors. Nor should we overestimate the predictive power of genes. The effects of genes are not inevitable.
Genes, like environmental factors, probably just make a behavior

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Myself and Nation

...branch of knowledge that deals with a body of facts systematically arranged and shows the operation of general laws. In all sciences, including psychology, a special procedure, the scientific method, must be used to collect data to answer a question or to solve a problem. The scientific method not only answers the question at hand but also is used to construct scientific theories. A theory is systematically organized knowledge applicable in a wide variety of circumstances. (The amount of information available in any science is too vast to be useful unless it is organized through the use of theories.) Theories are also used to predict events or to answer questions in a specific scientific discipline. In psychology, theories are used to organize and predict behavior and mental processes. The findings of a particular study may support or lead to the alteration of a theory.While the scientific method doesn't provide a step-by-step recipe for dealing with specific circumstances, it does provide general guidelines for the following procedures in any scientific data collection. Formulation of the problem, design of the study, collection of data, analysis of data, conclusions drawn from data. The description of a study, its procedures, and its conclusions is frequently published as an article in a scientific journal. Careful attention to following the scientific method allows a second investigator to replicate or refute the findings of a study. For ease of replication, the variables (items...

Words: 2485 - Pages: 10

Free Essay

Link Between Adhd and Psychotropics

...Overview Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a very complex disorder and for many individuals suffering from ADHD, their daily struggle with this disorder can be very frustrating and debilitating at times. Throughout the years, it has been known that genetics has a strong link to the cause ADHD as well as the psychotropics being prescribed by Mental Health Professionals to assist in the management of ADHD. However, data supports in the past decade there has been an explosion with ADHD individuals, specifically children being treated by the pharmacological modality rather than the behavioral modification or family psychotherapy. The old analogy of take two pills and call your doctor in the morning is becoming the norm in today’s society. This Reflective Paper will provide a multi-systemic approach which addresses the following topics: (1) the genetic link to ADHD, (2) population trends of psychotropic use, (3) concerns for the safety and efficacy of children have risen due to the lack of studies. The Genetic Link to ADHD Several decades of study has shown Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) to be a neurobiological disorder. Research has shown other contributing causes of ADHD can be caused by environmental (home, school etc.), brain dysfunction and toxins found in food additives, yet strong supporting data can be found in genetic studies too. Researchers have concluded the...

Words: 2444 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

Jeffrey Dahmer: Notorious Serial Killer

...Case Study of Jeffrey Dahmer Jeffrey Dahmer is arguably the most notorious serial killer-cannibal in history. Hence, this paper will discuss the psychological history on Dahmer’s criminal behaviors and acts of why he did what he did. Also, this article will discuss the psychological, behavioral, environmental, and the cognitive factors of this case study. As well as, this paper will discuss the psychoanalytic/psychodynamic view, the behaviorist/social learning theory, and the cognitive/social cognitive theory, to the humanist and interactionist theories, of Dahmer’s criminality. Thus, describing the typology of the crime, of what personality defects did the offender have, how it played a role in his behavior, and which laws were protecting...

Words: 1754 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Media Bias

...PSYCHOLOGY and your life chapter 1 introduction to ps ychology 2 chapter outline A Gift of Life It was every subway rider’s nightmare, times two. Who has ridden along New York’s 656 miles of subway lines and not wondered: “What if I fell to the tracks as a train came in? What would I do?” And who has not thought: “What if someone else fell? Would I jump to the rescue?” Wesley Autrey, a 50-year-old construction worker and navy veteran, faced both those questions in a flashing instant yesterday and got his answers almost as quickly. Mr. Autrey was waiting for the downtown local at 137th Street and Broadway in Manhattan around 12:45 p.m. He was taking his two daughters, Syshe, 4, and Shuqui, 6, home before work. Nearby, a man collapsed, his body convulsing. Mr. Autrey and two women rushed to help, he said. The man, Cameron Hollopeter, 20, managed to get up, but then stumbled to the platform edge and fell to the tracks, between the two rails. The headlights of the No. 1 train appeared. “I had to make a split decision,” Mr. Autrey said. So he made one, and leapt. Mr. Autrey lay on Mr. Hollopeter, his heart pounding, pressing him down in a space roughly a foot deep. The train’s brakes screeched, but it could not stop in time. Five cars rolled overhead before the train stopped, the cars passing inches from his head, smudging his blue knit cap with grease. Mr. Autrey heard onlookers’ screams. “We’re O.K. down here,” he yelled, “but I’ve got two daughters up there...

Words: 17380 - Pages: 70

Premium Essay

Miss

...and how people grow and develop. It requires learners to reflect on the importance of a variety of factors and major life events on the development of individuals, and to consider the nature-nurture debate. This unit will also allow learners to gain an insight into the aging process and to understand both positive and negative perspectives of ageing. Learning outcomes: * Understand human growth and development through the life stages. * Understand how life factors and events may influence the development of the individual. * Understand physical changes and psychological perspectives in relation to ageing. P1: Describe the physical, intellectual, emotional and social development through the life stages. The main life stages of human development are: * Conception * Pregnancy and birth. * Infancy * Childhood * Adolescence * Adulthood * Later adulthood. The holistic development of an individual involves them developing physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially. All humans go through the following things: * Growth: an increase in some measured quantity, such as height or weight. * Development: complex changes including an increase in skills, abilities and capabilities. * Maturation: when development is assumed to be due to a genetically programmed sequence of change. All human beings have needs. Some of these needs are universal but others vary according to life stag. According...

Words: 10187 - Pages: 41

Premium Essay

Human Resouces Management

...Perspectives Applying Psychology in the 21st Century: Psychology Matters Psychology’s Key Issues and Controversies Psychology’s Future MODULE 3 What is the scientific method? ● What role Research in Psychology do theories and hypotheses play in The Scientific Method psychological research? ● What research Descriptive Research methods do psychologists use? ● How do Experimental Research Psychological Research psychologists establish cause-and-effect relationships using experiments? MODULE 4 What major issues confront psychologists conducting research? Research Challenges: Exploring the Process The Ethics of Research Exploring Diversity: Choosing Participants Who Represent the Scope of Human Behavior Neuroscience in Your Life: The Importance of Using Representative Participants Should Animals Be Used in Research? Threats to Experimental Validity: Avoiding Experimental Bias Becoming an Informed Consumer of Psychology: Thinking Critically About Research...

Words: 22475 - Pages: 90

Free Essay

Patho Chap 1

...Pathophysiology Lee-Ellen C. Copstead Key Questions • What is pathophysiology? • How are etiology and pathogenesis used to predict clinical manifestations and response to therapy? • How are normal and abnormal physiologic parameters defined? • What general factors affect the expression of disease in a particular person? • What kinds of information about disease can be gained through understanding concepts of epidemiology? http://evolve.elsevier.com/Copstead/ • Review Questions and Answers • Glossary (with audio pronunciations for selected terms) • Animations • Case Studies • Key Points Review Pathophysiology derives from the intersection of two older, related disciplines: pathology (from pathos, suffering) and physiology (from physis, nature). Pathology is the study and diagnosis of disease through examination of organs, tissues, cells, and bodily fluids. Physiology is the study of the mechanical, physical, and biochemical functions of living organisms. Together, as pathophysiology, the term refers to the study of abnormalities in physiologic functioning of living beings. Pathophysiology seeks to reveal physiologic responses of an organism to disruptions in its internal or external environment. Because humans exhibit considerable diversity, healthy structure and function are not precisely the same in any two individuals. However, discovering the common and expected responses to abnormalities in physiologic functioning is useful, and it allows a general prediction...

Words: 8886 - Pages: 36

Premium Essay

Philosophy and Design

...a computer system, for exclusive use by the purchaser of the work. Printed on acid-free paper. 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 springer.com Contents List of Contributors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Design in Engineering and Architecture: Towards an Integrated Philosophical Understanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peter Kroes, Andrew Light, Steven A. Moore, and Pieter E. Vermaas Part I Engineering Design ix 1 Design, Use, and the Physical and Intentional Aspects of Technical Artifacts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maarten Franssen Designing is the Construction of Use Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wybo Houkes The Designer Fallacy and Technological Imagination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Don Ihde Technological Design as an Evolutionary Process. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Philip Brey Deciding on Ethical Issues in Engineering Design . . . . . . . . ....

Words: 165744 - Pages: 663

Free Essay

Personality Theory

...Introduction to Personality Theory 6 What is a Theory 7 Why Different theories 11 II. Theories of Personality 12-116 Psychoanalytic Theory 12-25 Humanistic Theory 25-43 Trait and Factor Theories- Big Five Factors 43-57 Biological and Genetic Theories 58-62 Social Cognitive Theory 62-87 Holistic-Dynamic Theory 88-116 III. Conclusion 116-117 Final Thoughts 116 Summary 117 Back Matter 118 References 118 PREFACE What makes people behave as they do? Are people ordinarily aware of what they are doing, or are their behaviors the result of hidden, unconscious motives? Are some people naturally good and others basically evil? Is human conduct largely a product of nature, or is it shaped mostly by...

Words: 39340 - Pages: 158

Premium Essay

Sst Tutorial Sample

...SSC1 - General Education Social Science Course of Study Theories and Methods What is the role of science and the scientific method in the social sciences? The purpose of the social sciences is to study systematically all aspects of the human condition and of human behavior, using a methodology borrowed from the physical sciences wherever possible. This insistence on systematic and methodical study is what distinguishes the social sciences from philosophy, art, and literature, which also comment and reflect on all facets of the human condition. In fact, insights into the nature of human behavior and the characteristics of societies have been expressed by artists, poets, and philosophers since time immemorial. How do the social sciences differ from natural and physical science? Competencies covered by this subject 113.1.1 - Social Science Theory and Methodology Scientific Method in Social Science To prepare for further study in this domain, you will want to familiarize yourself with ways in which the scientific method is applied in the social sciences. Keep in mind the crucial comparison between social and natural science. Consider the following questions: What is the scientific method? Scientific Method for Sociology An area of inquiry is a scientific discipline if its investigators use the scientific method, which is a systematic approach to researching questions and problems through objective and accurate observation, collection and analysis of data, direct experimentation...

Words: 17871 - Pages: 72

Premium Essay

Curriculum

...College and the domain competencies, as follows: Knowledge • ability to examine and explain phenomena • ability to construct and organize knowledge • ability to integrate and synthesize knowledge • ability to apply quantitative and qualitative concepts Proficiency • ability to solve practical problems • ability to collaborate with multiple disciplines • ability to communicate effectively • ability to practice competently and skillfully in a changing health-care environment Culture Care Values • ability to preserve/maintain cultural identities • ability to accommodate/negotiate diverse life ways • ability to re-pattern/restructure health-care delivery methods • ability to apply ethical and legal principles to health care The Associate of Science in Nursing Program (ASN) is a two-year program of study combining didactic and clinical nursing courses as well as general education courses.  The Program prepares beginning nurses who function as providers and leaders of direct and indirect nursing care for diverse individuals, families, and groups.  The ASN graduates function as collaborative members within the discipline of nursing and the health care team.  The ASN graduates use basic knowledge of therapeutic nursing interventions, communication, culture, critical thinking,...

Words: 6617 - Pages: 27

Premium Essay

Individual, Group Behaviour

...Chapter 2 Organizational behavior Perception and Personality DEFINING ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR Organizational behavior (often abbreviated as OB) is a field of study that investigates how individuals, groups, and structure affect and is affected by behavior within organizations. Behavior refers to what people do in the organization, how they perform, and what their attitudes are. Because the organizations studied are often business organizations, OB is frequently applied to address workplace issues such as absenteeism, turnover, productivity, motivation, working in groups, and job satisfaction. Managers often apply the knowledge gained from OB research to help them manage their organizations more effectively. What is organizational behavior? organizational behavior A field of study that investigates the impact of individuals, groups, and structure on behavior within organizations; the aim is to apply such knowledge toward improving organizational effectiveness .OB is for everyone It may seem natural to think that the study of OB is for leaders and managers of organizations. After all, they often set the agenda for everyone else. However, OB is for everyone. For instance, many employees have informal leadership roles. They are often expected to move beyond simply providing labor to playing a more proactive role in achieving organizational success. As well, managers are increasingly asking employees to share in their decision-making processes...

Words: 13411 - Pages: 54

Premium Essay

Psy/201

...Development The Power of Touch Attachment Theory Disruption of Attachment Family Relationships Peers After Birth 12.2 Infancy and Childhood Physical Development Cognitive Development Piaget’s Stage Theory Sensorimotor Stage CONCEPT LEARNING CHECK 12.2 Stages of Cognitive Development 12 Learning Objectives Development Throughout the Life Span 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 12.5 Describe the development of the field and explain the prenatal and newborn stages of human development. Discuss physical development in infants and newborns. Examine Piaget’s stage theory in relation to early cognitive development. Illustrate the importance of attachment in psychosocial development. Discuss the impact of sexual development in adolescence and changes in moral reasoning in adolescents and young adults. Examine the life stages within Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development. Illustrate the physical, cognitive, and social aspects of aging. Describe the multiple influences of nature and nurture in human development. 12.3 Adolescence and Young Adulthood Physical Development Cognitive Development Social Development Cognitive Development Social Development Continuity or Change Relationships Ages and Stages of Adulthood 12.5 Nature and Nurture Summary of Multiple Influences on Development CONCEPT LEARNING CHECK 12.5 Nature or Nurture? CONCEPT LEARNING CHECK 12.3 Defining CONCEPT LEARNING CHECK 12.4 Is There a Adolescence “Right Time” for Everything...

Words: 34557 - Pages: 139

Premium Essay

Software Engineer

...© MICHAEL NEWMAN/PHOTOEDIT Managing Human Resources, 14e, Bohlander/Snell - © 2007 Thomson South-Western c hapter 13 Employee Rights and Discipline objective objective objective 3 Identify and explain the privacy 4 Explain the process of responsibilities. employment at will, wrongful discharge, implied contract, and constructive discharge. rights of employees. establishing disciplinary policies, including the proper implementation of 5 objective objective 2 Explain the concepts of employee rights and employer 6 Differentiate between the objective objective 1 Explain the concepts of Discuss the meaning of 7 Identify the different types of objective After studying this chapter, you should be able to 8 Discuss the role of ethics in discipline and how to investigate a disciplinary problem. two approaches to disciplinary action. alternative dispute resolution procedures. the management of human resources. organizational rules. PART 5 Enhancing Employee-Management Relations Managing Human Resources, 14e, Bohlander/Snell - © 2007 Thomson South-Western 549 550 PART 5 Enhancing Employee-Management Relations n this chapter we discuss employee rights, workplace privacy, and employee discipline. Managers note that these topics have a major influence on the activities of both employees and supervisors. Robert J. Deeny, an employment attorney...

Words: 20644 - Pages: 83

Premium Essay

Educational Psychology : Case Study

...ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Throughout the research process, the focus has been to investigate the different aspects of environmental influences on human development among students of UNISEL. During the research process, we have gained a deeper knowledge and understanding on how environmental aspects affect human development. We also discovered that child development not only focuses on one aspect, but also many aspects such as prenatal environment, physical environment, social / cultural environment and emotional environment. We would like to express our utmost gratitude to Mr.Nadraj, our lecturer, for his great guidance, advice and consideration in the process of completing this research on time. His immense contribution and insight have made this project a much more complete one. Also, I would like to extend my appreciation to all who have assisted me in many ways, resulting in this report. The deepest gratitude to all the respondents who were willing to participate in our survey; without their valuable contribution and response, this study would not have been able to be carried out. Thank You! TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 Introduction................................................................................................................. 3 1.1 Background................................................................................................................. 3 1.2 Purpose.............................................................................................

Words: 11316 - Pages: 46