Genetics pp
- 1. Genetics
- 2. I.B. Learning Outcomes B11- With reference to relevant research studies, to what extent does genetic inheritance influence behavior? I can explain how much our genes impact our behavior.
- 3. Warm-Up Questions “Give me a dozen healthy infants, well-formed, and my own specified world to bring them up in and I'll guarantee to take any one at random and train him to become any type of specialist I might select – doctor, lawyer, artist, merchant-chief and, yes, even beggar-man and thief, regardless of his talents, penchants, tendencies, abilities, vocations, and race of his ancestors. I am going beyond my facts and I admit it, but so have the advocates of the contrary and they have been doing it for many thousands of years.” -John Watson (Psychologist…not Sherlock’s buddy)
- 4. Behavioral Genetics The study of how the both genetics and the environment contribute to individual variations in human behavior. Genes do not cause behavior, they create a predisposition towards it. Depression
- 5. Inheritance Each offspring inherits traits from their parents. 46 Chromosomes – 23 from Ma, 23 from Pa ~20,000-25,000 genes
- 6. Mr. Bonica’s Piglets and Behavioral Genetics
- 7. Twins
- 8. Separated Twin Studies Identical Genetic Make Up Different Environments Look for similarities and differences between monozygotic twins Nature or Nurture Is It All in the Genes?
- 9. Minnesota Twin Study: Bouchard et al. (1990) Learning Outcome: B11 Aim: To determine the extent that genetics impact the behavior. Method: Participants: Self-Selected MZ twins reared together (MZT) and MZ twins that were reared apart (MZA) Performed 50 hours of interviews, tests, and surveys on participants.
- 10. Minnesota Twin Study: Bouchard et al. (1990) Cont. Findings: Intelligence testing showed that 70% of intelligence is attributed to genetic variation. Conclusions: Intelligence among other characteristics are to a large extent due to genetics Critical Thinking: Ethics Twins together = same environment?
- 11. Minnesota Twin Study: Bouchard et al. (1990) What is your response to the idea that our genes can impact our behavior? What does this say about you? Do you find these results to be surprising? Why or why not?
- 12. I’m Not a Look Alike!
- 13. Segal (2012) Aim: To investigate if similar physical features impact the personality traits of humans. Method: Sent various tests and personality surveys to subjects from Brunelle’s Art Exhibit. Stability, openness, extroversion, agreeableness, and conscientiousness
- 14. Segal (2012) Continued Findings: Unrelated look-alikes showed little similarities in self-esteem or personality. Conclusions: Physical features do not predict psychological traits. Critical Thinking?
- 15. Ethics of Genetic Research Anonymity and Confidentiality. Right to know who owns their genetic material and with whom it will be shared. Informed Consent Genetic research could potentially be a risk to the participants if misused. Genetic Research can reveal information that is unexpected or a source of distress (Learning that you are predisposed to depression can lead to depression)
- 16. 5-HTT Gene A gene that is responsible for creating proteins that influence the reuptake of serotonin Long-Allele (57% of population) Short-Allele (43% of population)
- 17. Caspi et al. (2003) Learning Outcome: B11 Aim: To determine whether the 5-HTT gene predicts depression Method: Followed a group of adolescents for several years and measured for stressful events. When they were 26, they tested them for depression.
- 18. Caspi et al. (2003) Findings: Individuals who had a two short 5-HTT alleles were more likely to be depressed following stressful events. Conclusion: Genetics can predict the likelihood of depression in individuals. Critical Thinking
- 19. Levenson (2013) Aim: To determine the role of the 5-HTT gene in marital satisfaction Method: Followed couples since 1989 and surveyed them on marital satisfaction. Finding: Individuals with a short 5-HTT allele were more likely to be unhappy in an unhealthy relationship or happy in a healthy relationship. Conclusion: Short Allele = More influenced by environment.