5.) To what extent does genetic inheritance influence behavior?
Intro - as usual, begin by explaining that genetic inheritance does not act independently to influence behavior, and that it interacts with other elements
Then, bring in the Gene-environment correlation (GxE) - a research method useful for studying how genetic differences between people shape their responses to their environment
There are 3 types:
There are also many studies you can use for this question to support the different environments:
Methods: Knocked out the gene in mice
Results: Increased aggression in those whose gene had been knocked out
Significance: Genes affect behavior (also supports passive GxE)
Significance: Genes affect the formation of mental disorders, which in turn affects behavior
Significance: Correlation of speech difficulties shows a strong possibility of genetic influence on behavior
Then, bring in the Gene-environment correlation (GxE) - a research method useful for studying how genetic differences between people shape their responses to their environment
There are 3 types:
- Passive GxE - ex. a behavior such as aggression in children - born w/ an "aggressive" gene, but also have an aggressive environment
- Active GxE - child example above actually SEEKS OUT an environment where they can behave as the gene encourages them to do, ex. joining a peer group that might enhance aggressive delinquent behavior
- Evocative GxE- when a gene interacts with other elements to draw a child towards an environment, so it is more NATURAL ATTRACTION than real conscious action on the part of the child, for example a child encouraging abusive behavior from an already hostile parent in order to form his or her own environment
There are also many studies you can use for this question to support the different environments:
- Chiavegatto - Mouse study using knock-out mice
Methods: Knocked out the gene in mice
Results: Increased aggression in those whose gene had been knocked out
Significance: Genes affect behavior (also supports passive GxE)
- Duenwald (2003) - Investigation of the 5-HTT gene
Significance: Genes affect the formation of mental disorders, which in turn affects behavior
- Hessler - worked with the "KE" family
Significance: Correlation of speech difficulties shows a strong possibility of genetic influence on behavior