Describe research evidence for gene-environment interactions in human behavior. What types of conclusions can be drawn from these studies?
What will be an ideal response?
The ideal answer should include:
1. The two studies by Caspi and colleagues provide such evidence.
2. In Caspi et al. (2002), adults with low MAOA activity showed a larger effect of degrees of maltreatment in their earlier years on later antisocial behavior than individuals with high MAOA activity.
3. We could say that low MAOA activity is a genetic risk factor for negative effects of maltreatment on antisocial behavior, and high MAOA activity is a genetic protective factor for reduced effects of maltreatment on antisocial behavior.
4. In Caspi et al. (2003) adults with a short allele in the 5-HTT serotonin transporter gene showed a larger difference in rates of adult depression as a function of variations in severity of maltreatment in their earlier years than was the case for individuals with either a combination of long and short alleles or with two long alleles.
5. We could say that two long alleles were a protective genetic factor for negative influences of maltreatment on depression, and two short alleles were a genetic risk factor for negative effects of maltreatment on depression.
6. Conclusions from these studies support the role of genes and the environment in influencing developmental outcomes. Results from these studies demonstrate that genetic inheritance may put one at increased risk for maladaptive outcomes, provided that the individual has the requisite experience.
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Longitudinal studies of rejected children reveal a cycle of rejection and ____ that leads to externalizing and internalizing behavior problems
a. assertiveness b. bullying c. academic delays d. aggression
Analogue studies are used when researchers ____
a. are unable to use an experimental design b. are able to use only a single subject who must act as his or her own control c. are unable to recruit a sufficient number of human participants d. cannot practically or ethically observe behaviors as they occur in real life
Determining whether humans are basically good or evil is primarily a practical question for social psychologists.
Answer the following statement true (T) or false (F)
Alice has severe behavioral problems at school, including throwing her books on the floor and spitting on the floor. To reduce these problems, Alice's teacher gives her one plastic chip for each socially appropriate behavior that Alice displays. At the end of the week, Alice can trade in the chips she has earned for a prize. Alice's teacher is using which treatment method?
a. ?A token economy program b. ?Aversion conditioning c. ?Flooding d. ?Modeling