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Chapter 13: Problem 4

Which of the following statements is suggested by research on the genetic basis of personality? a. Specific genes control specific personality traits. b. Only some traits, such as temperament, have a genetic basis. c. Probably thousands of genes are involved in personality, and epigenetic mechanisms can cause environmental events to affect the expression of these genes. d. Personality has no genetic basis.

Short Answer

Expert verified
c. Probably thousands of genes are involved in personality, and epigenetic mechanisms can cause environmental events to affect the expression of these genes.

Step by step solution

01

Understand the Question

Identify what the question is asking. The question is about which statement is supported by research on the genetic basis of personality.
02

Analyze Each Option

Look at each statement carefully:a. This suggests that specific genes control specific traits.b. This implies that only some traits have a genetic link.c. This suggests a complex interaction involving thousands of genes and epigenetic mechanisms.d. This denies any genetic basis for personality.
03

Apply Genetic Research Findings

Use knowledge of genetics and personality research:- Research shows that personality is influenced by many genes, not a single gene.- Epigenetics indicates the environment can affect gene expression.- Traits like temperament are influenced by genetics but not exclusively.- It is false that personality has no genetic basis.
04

Select the Best Answer

Based on the analysis and research findings, option c is the most supported statement by research on the genetic basis of personality.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

epigenetics and personality
Epigenetics is a field of study that explores how environmental factors can influence gene expression without changing the underlying DNA sequence. This means that even though the genetic code remains the same, the way genes are 'expressed' or turned on and off can vary based on one's environment and experiences. This is particularly relevant for understanding personality. For example:
  • Stressful experiences can lead to changes in gene expression that influence mood and behavior.
  • Nutrition and exposure to toxins can also modify gene activity.
These subtle changes in gene expression can accumulate over time, shaping how our personality develops. In essence, epigenetics shows that while our genes provide the blueprint for potential, the environment plays a key role in determining how these genes come into play.
gene-environment interaction
The interaction between genes and the environment is crucial in understanding personality development. This interaction posits that while genes provide the initial framework, environmental factors significantly influence how these genetic potentials manifest. For instance:
  • Children with a genetic predisposition toward shyness might become more outgoing if raised in a nurturing and supportive environment.
  • Conversely, those same genes might lead to greater shyness if the environment is harsh or neglectful.
Thus, personality traits are not strictly determined by genes alone. Instead, they emerge from the dynamic interplay between our genetic makeup and the world around us. This means that behavioral outcomes can be quite varied, even among individuals with similar genetic starting points.
genetic influence on temperament
Temperament refers to the innate aspects of an individual's personality, such as mood, activity level, and emotional reactivity. Research shows that temperament has a strong genetic component. Specifically:
  • Studies on twins and adopted children have demonstrated that traits like introversion, extroversion, and emotional stability are heritable.
  • Even in early infancy, genetic influence can be seen in how babies respond to stimuli, their sleep patterns, and their tendencies toward being calm or fussy.
These early temperamental traits often form the bedrock of what later develops into broader personality characteristics. However, it's important to remember that while genetics play a key role, environmental factors, such as parenting styles and social experiences, can significantly shape and modify these temperamental tendencies over time.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Which of the following statements might explain why our close acquaintances sometimes are better able to predict our behaviors than we are? Select all that apply. a. Our ego defense mechanisms prevent us from knowing our true personalities and thus undermine our abilities to accurately predict our own behaviors. b. Predictions of our own behaviors may be biased in favor of our subjective perceptions (how we think we act) rather than our objective behaviors (how we do act). C. We tend to pay more attention to others than to ourselves and thus fail to notice our own behavior; others notice how we behave and are better able to predict our future behaviors.

Genevieve's therapist suggests that her social anxiety is the result of having traits correlated with introversion and neuroticism. Christopher's therapist suggests that his social anxiety is the result of previous bad experiences in social situations. Genevieve's therapist is taking a approach to personality. Christopher's therapist is taking a approach. a. psychodynamic; humanistic b. trait; humanistic c. trait; behavioral d. behavioral; humanistic e. humanistic; behavioral

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Your psychology instructor asks the students in your class to form groups of five and then take turns answering the question. What do we need to know about you to truly know you? The people in your group give the following answers; label each as representative of psychodynamic approaches, humanistic theory, type and trait perspectives, or learning and cognition perspectives. a. "To know me, you would have to ask me questions about myself. I took a survey once that said I am an extremely intuitive introvert." b. "To know me, you need to know how I've responded in the past and what I think about the world". c. "To know me, you would have to figure out a way to peer into my unconscious. There's so much I can't even know about myself; I'm not sure you could ever really know me." d. "To know me, you would have to know about my hopes and aspirations. I seek to become the best person I can be."
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