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WorksheetsNature and Nurture in Psychology
Total questions: 100
Worksheet time: 50mins
What is the nature-nurture issue in psychology?
The debate over whether human traits are inherited or developed through experience.
The study of how genes influence behavior.
The examination of environmental factors on intelligence.
The analysis of brain structure and function.
Which ancient philosopher believed that intelligence and character are inherited?
Aristotle
Plato
Charles Darwin
Socrates
What did Aristotle argue regarding the mind and external world?
The mind is entirely shaped by inherited traits.
The mind is influenced by external experiences through the senses.
The mind is independent of both nature and nurture.
The mind is a product of genetic evolution.
What makes identical twins ideal participants in studies about heredity and environment?
They share the same environment but different genes.
They have the same genes and often share the same environment.
They have different genes and different environments.
They are genetically unrelated but share similar traits.
What did Charles Darwin ponder during his seafaring voyage?
The role of genetics in shaping human behavior.
The incredible species variation he observed.
The influence of environment on intelligence.
The philosophical debate on nature versus nurture.
What is the principle of natural selection as proposed by Charles Darwin?
The idea that organisms evolve through random mutations without environmental influence.
The principle that inherited traits enabling an organism to survive and reproduce in a specific environment are passed on to succeeding generations.
The concept that all organisms are created equally and do not adapt to their environment.
The theory that evolution occurs only in humans and not in other species.
What is the focus of evolutionary psychology?
The study of the relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behavior.
The study of the evolution of behavior and the mind, using principles of natural selection.
The study of how organisms adapt to their environment through random mutations.
The study of the physical structure of organisms without considering behavior.
What does behavior genetics study?
The study of the evolution of behavior and the mind.
The study of the relative power and limits of genetic and environmental influences on behavior.
The study of how organisms adapt to their environment through natural selection.
The study of the physical traits of organisms without considering genetic factors.
Which controversial concept is mentioned as a misuse of evolutionary principles?
Eugenics.
Behavior genetics.
Evolutionary psychology.
Natural selection.
How does Darwin's principle of natural selection relate to modern psychology?
It is only relevant to the study of animal structures.
It has become an important principle for twenty-first-century psychology, explaining both animal structures and behaviors.
It is no longer considered relevant in psychology.
It focuses solely on the physical evolution of organisms.
What does the principle of natural selection, as used by evolutionary psychologists, explain?
The process of organisms competing for survival.
The role of nurture in shaping human behavior.
The influence of social interactions on personality.
The biological basis of psychological disorders.
What does the phrase 'Nurture works on what nature provides' imply in the context of psychology?
Nature and nurture are independent of each other.
Nurture builds upon the foundation provided by nature.
Nature is irrelevant in psychological development.
Nurture completely overrides nature in shaping behavior.
How do evolutionary psychologists use natural selection to explain behavior tendencies?
By studying the influence of social interactions.
By analyzing the competition among organisms for survival.
By focusing on the role of nurture in shaping behavior.
By examining the biological basis of psychological disorders.
What is the dual nature of depression as described in the text?
Depression is solely a thought disorder.
Depression is both a brain disorder and a thought disorder.
Depression is only influenced by social interactions.
Depression is entirely a biological event.
What is the recommended strategy for learning vocabulary in psychology according to the AP® Exam Tip?
Memorize vocabulary the night before the test.
Use flashcards or online quizzes daily.
Focus only on reading the vocabulary list.
Avoid paraphrasing vocabulary in your own words.
What is the main idea of Charles Darwin's principle of natural selection as simplified in the text?
Organisms adapt to their environment through nurture.
Organisms' varied offspring compete for survival.
Organisms rely solely on social interactions for survival.
Organisms' behavior is shaped entirely by their emotions.
What is the purpose of the AP® Science Practice section in the learning material?
To provide definitions of psychological terms.
To explain contemporary psychology's position on the nature-nurture issue.
To summarize the principles of natural selection.
To describe the biological basis of psychological disorders.
What is the suggested approach to retain vocabulary for the AP® exam?
Read the vocabulary list repeatedly.
Quiz yourself or paraphrase vocabulary in your own words.
Memorize vocabulary without understanding its meaning.
Avoid using flashcards or online quizzes.
What principle explains how certain biological and behavioral variations increase organisms' chances of survival and reproduction in their environment?
Natural Selection
Genetic Mutation
Artificial Selection
Environmental Adaptation
What was the goal of Dmitry Belyaev's experiment with foxes?
To study the hunting behavior of foxes
To transform fearful foxes into friendly companions
To increase the population of wild foxes
To analyze the genetic makeup of foxes
How did Belyaev measure tameness in foxes during his experiment?
By observing their hunting skills
By analyzing their genetic structure
By assessing their responses to being fed, handled, and stroked
By studying their survival rates in the wild
What percentage of offspring in Belyaev's experiment were selected for tameness?
10% of males and 30% of females
5% of males and 20% of females
15% of males and 25% of females
50% of males and 50% of females
What was the result of Belyaev's experiment after 40 years and 45,000 foxes?
A new breed of foxes that were aggressive hunters
A new breed of foxes that were docile and eager to please
A new breed of foxes that were resistant to domestication
A new breed of foxes that were genetically identical to wolves
What is a mutation in the context of genetics?
A random error in gene replication that leads to a change.
A deliberate alteration in DNA to improve fitness.
A process of natural selection favoring advantageous traits.
A genetic similarity shared among populations.
What percentage of genetic variation exists within populations according to Rosenberg et al., 2002?
50%
95%
75%
5%
What does the term "fitness" refer to in the context of human genetics?
The ability to survive and reproduce.
The capacity to adapt to physical exercise.
The genetic similarity among populations.
The process of natural selection.
What did Francis Collins observe about human DNA?
Human DNA is 99.9 percent the same.
Human DNA is 95 percent the same.
Human DNA is 75 percent the same.
Human DNA is 50 percent the same.
What does the term "genome" refer to?
The common set of genes shared by humans.
The genetic differences between populations.
The process of natural selection.
The ability to adapt to different environments.
What survival advantage did women who experienced nausea during the first three months of pregnancy have according to evolutionary psychology?
They were more likely to avoid bitter, strongly flavored, and novel foods.
They were more likely to eat poisonous foods.
They were less likely to reproduce.
They were more likely to hunt and gather food.
What behavioral tendencies emerged over generations to help humans survive and reproduce according to evolutionary psychology?
Hunting and gathering food in vending machines.
Avoiding sweets and fats in fast-food outlets.
Providing parental care to shared fears and lusts.
Developing a preference for poisonous foods.
What does Darwin's theory of evolution suggest about psychology in the second Darwinian revolution?
Psychology will focus on temporary stress responses.
Psychology will be based on a new foundation for more important research.
Psychology will focus on vending machine food preferences.
Psychology will eliminate evolutionary principles.
Why do evolutionary psychologists believe infants start to fear strangers around the time they become mobile?
To avoid sweets and fats.
To escape temporary stressors.
To protect themselves from potential threats.
To develop a preference for novel foods.
According to evolutionary psychology, why do women tend to be choosier than men when selecting sexual partners?
Women are biologically predisposed to avoid sweets and fats.
Women are genetically programmed to fear strangers.
Women have a greater investment in offspring survival.
Women are less likely to experience nausea during pregnancy.
What is the focus of evolutionary psychologists compared to behavior geneticists?
Evolutionary psychologists focus on genetic differences, while behavior geneticists focus on human similarities.
Evolutionary psychologists focus on human similarities, while behavior geneticists explore genetic and environmental roots of human differences.
Both focus on genetic differences and environmental factors equally.
Evolutionary psychologists focus on environmental factors, while behavior geneticists focus on genetic similarities.
What does our shared brain architecture predispose humans to?
Unique behavioral tendencies for each individual.
Common behavioral tendencies such as sensing the world, developing language, and feeling hunger.
Differences in color perception and taste preferences.
A preference for sour tastes over sweet tastes.
What does research reveal about the role of nature and nurture in shaping development?
Nature alone shapes development.
Nurture alone shapes development.
Nature and nurture together shape development every step of the way.
Neither nature nor nurture plays a role in shaping development.
What challenge might a scientist face when breeding humans for specific behavioral traits compared to less complex mammals?
Humans have fewer behavioral traits than mammals.
Humans are less adaptable to environmental changes.
Humans have more complex genetic and environmental interactions influencing behavior.
Humans lack genetic diversity compared to mammals.
What is the term used to describe every non-genetic influence, from prenatal nutrition to our experiences with people and things around us?
Heredity
Environment
Chromosome
Protein molecules
What is heredity defined as?
The genetic transfer of characteristics from parents to offspring
The biochemical units of heredity
The process of environmental influence on genes
The coiled chain of DNA molecules
How many chromosomes are present in the human genome?
20,000
46
23
1,000
What are genes responsible for creating in the human body?
Chromosomes
DNA molecules
Protein molecules
Behavior genetics
What is the term used to describe the biochemical units of heredity?
Chromosomes
Genes
DNA
Protein molecules
What is the primary function of genes within the DNA?
To store energy for the cell
To direct the development of proteins that influence individual development
To provide structural support to the cell
To transport nutrients within the cell
What percentage of genetic similarity exists between humans and chimpanzees at a genetic level?
90%
96%
99.4%
80%
What term is used to describe the complete instructions for making an organism?
Chromosome
Genome
Nucleus
Gene therapy
What is one key behavioral difference between chimpanzees and bonobos?
Chimpanzees are peaceable, while bonobos are aggressive
Chimpanzees live in female-led groups, while bonobos are male-dominated
Chimpanzees are aggressive and male-dominated, while bonobos are peaceable and live in female-led groups
Chimpanzees and bonobos have identical behaviors
What is the significance of slight person-to-person variations in the human genome?
They determine the energy levels of individuals
They provide clues to individual uniqueness, such as susceptibility to diseases or behavioral traits
They are responsible for identical genetic profiles among humans
They have no impact on human development
What is gene therapy primarily used for?
To create identical genetic profiles
To develop treatments based on genetic distinctions
To increase the percentage of DNA similarity between species
To alter the structure of chromosomes
Which of the following statements best describes polygenic traits?
Traits influenced by a single gene.
Traits influenced by many genes of small effect.
Traits determined solely by environmental factors.
Traits that are not influenced by genetic predispositions.
What percentage of differences in people's years of schooling was predicted by 1271 gene variations in a study of 1.1 million people?
5 percent.
8 percent.
12 percent.
20 percent.
What is one of the key findings of behavior genetics regarding traits such as intelligence and personality?
Traits are determined by a single gene.
Traits are influenced by environmental factors only.
Traits are influenced by a whole orchestra of genes.
Traits are not influenced by genetic predispositions.
What type of studies assess the effects of shared genes and shared environments?
Family studies.
Twin studies and adoption studies.
Genetic predisposition studies.
Environmental interaction studies.
What is the primary difference between identical (monozygotic) twins and fraternal twins?
Identical twins develop from two separate fertilized eggs, while fraternal twins develop from one.
Identical twins share the same genes, while fraternal twins do not.
Fraternal twins are genetically identical, while identical twins are not.
Identical twins always have separate placentas, while fraternal twins share one.
What is one reason identical twins may differ in their risk for certain illnesses?
They have different numbers of copies of genes within their genome.
They develop from separate fertilized eggs.
They always share the same placenta during prenatal development.
They are exposed to different cultural environments.
What is the role of the placenta in prenatal development for identical twins?
It transfers nutrients and oxygen from the mother to the embryo.
It determines the genetic makeup of the twins.
It ensures identical twins always have the same birth date.
It prevents genetic variations between identical twins.
Why would it be unethical to conduct studies with human infants to control heredity or home environment?
It would dramatically manipulate an infant's home environment.
It would prevent twins from developing identical genes.
It would eliminate the natural differences between twins.
It would require identical twins to be separated at birth.
What is one way twin and adoption studies help us understand the effects of nature and nurture?
By controlling heredity while varying the home environment.
By ensuring identical twins always share the same placenta.
By studying twins who develop from separate fertilized eggs.
By eliminating genetic differences between twins.
What is the main genetic difference between identical twins and fraternal twins?
Identical twins develop from two separate fertilized eggs, while fraternal twins develop from a single fertilized egg.
Identical twins are genetically identical, while fraternal twins are no more genetically similar than ordinary siblings.
Identical twins can be of different sexes, while fraternal twins are always of the same sex.
Identical twins share no genetic similarities, while fraternal twins share all their genes.
What is the likelihood of an identical twin being diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder if their twin is affected?
1 in 3
3 in 4
1 in 4
3 in 10
How do identical twins compare behaviorally to fraternal twins?
Identical twins are less similar in personality than fraternal twins.
Identical twins are more similar in personality, politics, and behaviors than fraternal twins.
Identical twins are only similar in appearance, not behavior.
Identical twins and fraternal twins are behaviorally identical.
What did Nancy Segal's research on identical twins and unrelated look-alike pairs reveal?
Identical twins reported similar personalities, while unrelated look-alike pairs did not.
Unrelated look-alike pairs reported similar personalities, while identical twins did not.
Both identical twins and unrelated look-alike pairs reported similar personalities.
Neither identical twins nor unrelated look-alike pairs reported similar personalities.
What does research suggest about identical twins whose parents treated them alike?
They are behaviorally identical to fraternal twins.
They are not more alike than identical twins whose parents treated them differently.
They are more alike than identical twins whose parents treated them differently.
They are less alike than fraternal twins.
What term is used to describe genetically unrelated look-alikes who tend not to have notably similar personalities?
Identical twins
Fraternal twins
Doppelgangers
Genetic clones
What mistake led William and Jorge to believe they were fraternal twins?
A mix-up at the hospital
A family misunderstanding
A scientific experiment
A social media error
What characteristic did Wilber and Carlos share despite being raised apart?
They were jokesters and physically strong
They were moody and serious
They had the same speech impediment
All of the above
What does the story of William and Jorge reveal about genetics?
Genetics have no impact on personality
Genetics play a significant role in individual traits
Genetics only affect physical appearance
Genetics are irrelevant in twin studies
What was Jorge’s reaction upon seeing William’s social media photos?
He ignored them
He was surprised to see William sitting next to Jorge’s fraternal twin brother
He thought William was pretending to be someone else
He laughed and dismissed them
What does the story of the 'Bogotá brothers' illustrate about nature and nurture?
That identical twins always have identical personalities regardless of environment.
That identical twins raised in different environments can exhibit differences in abilities and traits.
That identical twins raised together have no differences in personality.
That identical twins cannot be influenced by their environment.
What do critics argue about twin similarities based on anecdotal evidence?
Anecdotal evidence is sufficient to prove genetic influence.
Anecdotal evidence is not reliable data for scientific conclusions.
Anecdotal evidence is the best way to study twins.
Anecdotal evidence proves that environment has no impact on twins.
What is the primary focus of behavior geneticists when studying adoption?
Comparing identical twins raised together.
Studying genetic relatives versus environmental relatives.
Observing identical twins in similar homes.
Testing personality traits of separated twins.
What is the significance of separated identical twins in genetic studies?
They show no similarities in personality or abilities.
They exhibit similarities in tastes, physical attributes, and personality despite different environments.
They prove that environment is the sole factor in shaping personality.
They show that identical twins cannot be studied scientifically.
What do twin researchers argue about separated fraternal twins?
They exhibit similarities comparable to separated identical twins.
They do not exhibit similarities comparable to separated identical twins.
They are more similar than identical twins.
They cannot be studied scientifically.
What is emphasized in the AP Science Practice section regarding research methods?
Anecdotes are the best source of scientific data.
Psychological scientists rely on data gathered from studies, not anecdotes.
Anecdotes are more reliable than scientific studies.
Research methods are irrelevant in genetic studies.
According to studies, adopted children are more similar in personality traits to which group?
Their adoptive parents
Their biological parents
Their siblings
Their peers
What does research suggest about the impact of shared family environments on children's personalities?
It has a significant impact on personality development.
It has little discernible impact on personality traits.
It determines the personality traits of siblings.
It amplifies differences between siblings.
What percentage less likely were children raised by adoptive families to develop depression compared to their non-adopted siblings?
10%
15%
20%
25%
What example is given to illustrate the influence of heredity on primates' personalities?
Macaque monkeys raised by foster mothers exhibit social behaviors resembling their biological mothers.
Macaque monkeys raised by foster mothers develop unique social behaviors.
Macaque monkeys raised by foster mothers resemble their adoptive mothers.
Macaque monkeys raised by foster mothers show no resemblance to their biological mothers.
What historical example is used to demonstrate the influence of parenting and cultural environments?
A study of Swedish children raised by adoptive families.
The reunion of identical twins Jack Yufe and Oskar Stöhr.
Research on macaque monkeys raised by foster mothers.
A study on sibling relationships and personality traits.
Why might siblings raised in the same family environment exhibit different personalities?
They share identical genes.
They experience unique peer influences and life events.
They are influenced solely by their adoptive parents.
They have identical parenting styles.
What is one of the benefits reported by adopted children according to research?
Adopted children often experience higher rates of neglect.
Adopted children report feeling strongly attached to one or both adoptive parents.
Adopted children have lower intelligence scores compared to biological siblings.
Adopted children face more psychological disorders than biological children.
What parenting style is commonly observed among adoptive mothers compared to biological mothers?
Adoptive mothers use stricter parenting methods.
Adoptive mothers use gentler parenting and provide more guidance.
Adoptive mothers are less involved in their children's lives.
Adoptive mothers show higher levels of depression.
What did studies find about adopted children raised as infants compared to those raised by biological mothers who initially registered them for adoption?
Adopted children raised as infants experienced fewer problems.
Adopted children raised as infants had lower intelligence scores.
Adopted children raised as infants faced higher risks of psychological disorders.
Adopted children raised as infants were less attached to their parents.
What is the bottom line conclusion about adoption according to the text?
Adoption leads to higher rates of parental divorce.
Most adopted children benefit from adoption.
Adoption increases the risk of psychological disorders.
Adopted children are less likely to succeed academically.
What is the term used to describe the interplay between the effect of one factor (such as environment) and another factor (such as heredity)?
Adaptation
Interaction
Friction
Evolution
What is an example of a biological adaptation mentioned in the text?
Wearing shoes
Developing callused feet
Growing taller
Changing eye color
What behavioral hallmark of humans allows traits to develop the same way in virtually every environment?
Genetic mutation
Adaptive capacity
Environmental friction
Psychological reasoning
What unique factor affected Scott Kelly's immune system during his time in space?
Lack of gravity
Exposure to greater-than-average levels of radiation
Changes in diet
Psychological stress
What does the text suggest is one of the hottest topics in psychology today?
Genetic mutation
Gene-environment interaction
Space exploration
Behavioral adaptation
What does epigenetics study?
The molecular mechanisms by which environments can trigger or block genetic expression
The study of DNA mutations that lead to permanent genetic changes
The process of natural selection in genetic evolution
The study of how genes are inherited from parents
What is an example of epigenetic regulation mentioned in the text?
A butterfly changing its wing color due to genetic mutation
A butterfly turning green in summer and brown in fall due to a temperature-controlled genetic switch
A butterfly evolving new traits over generations
A butterfly changing its wing pattern due to DNA replication errors
What analogy is used to explain the difference between DNA and epigenetics?
DNA is like a permanent tattoo, while epigenetics is like a temporary sticker
DNA is written in pen, while epigenetics is written in pencil
DNA is like a blueprint, while epigenetics is like a sketch
DNA is like a locked door, while epigenetics is like a key
What are epigenetic marks?
Organic methyl molecules attached to a part of a DNA strand
Permanent changes in the DNA sequence
Proteins that regulate gene expression
Mutations that occur during DNA replication
What are some prenatal environmental factors that can affect gene expression?
Drugs, toxins, nutrition, stress
Social contact, environmental complexity
Cognitive challenges, exercise, nutrition
Neglect, abuse, variations in care
Which life stage is associated with neglect, abuse, and variations in care affecting gene expression?
Prenatal
Postnatal
Juvenile
Adult
What is the role of epigenetic molecules in gene expression?
They block access to the brain's 'on' switch for stress hormone receptors.
They create new genes in the DNA segment.
They remove stress hormones from the body.
They eliminate environmental factors affecting gene expression.
What is an independent variable in an epigenetic study involving rats?
The amount of stress the rats experience
The number of genes in the rats' genome
The presence of free-floating stress hormones
The licking behavior of mother rats
How can epigenetic changes caused by childhood trauma affect future generations?
They leave fingerprints in a person's genome that may be passed down.
They eliminate the effects of environmental factors.
They create new genes in the DNA segment.
They prevent the transmission of stress hormones.
What do evolutionary biologists theorize about inheritance based on epigenetic research?
Inheritance occurs only through gene transmission.
Inheritance occurs through environmental influences and gene transmission.
Inheritance occurs only through environmental influences.
Inheritance does not occur through either gene transmission or environmental influences.
What is one example of epigenetic effects observed in identical twins according to research?
Identical twins always have identical fur color.
Identical twins can develop different-colored fur due to in utero exposure to chemicals.
Identical twins are unaffected by environmental factors.
Identical twins always share the same genetic predispositions.
What does the phrase "nature versus nurture" refer to in the context of epigenetics?
The debate between genetic predispositions and environmental influences.
The idea that genes alone determine human behavior.
The concept that nurture has no impact on human development.
The belief that nature is irrelevant in shaping human traits.
