Chapter 3        The Nature and Nurture of Behavior                        (CR3, CR15, CR16)

Chapter 3 Objectives:

1. Describe the composition and physical location of genes.

2. Discuss the impact of evolutionary history on genetically predisposed behavior tendencies.

3. Identify gender differences in sexual behavior, and describe and evaluate evolutionary explanations for those differences.

4. Describe how twin and adoption studies help us differentiate hereditary and environmental influences on human traits.

5. Discuss how differences in infant temperament illustrate the effect of heredity on development.

6. Describe how behavior geneticists estimate trait heritability, and discuss the interaction of genetic and environmental influences.

7. Discuss the potential promise and perils of molecular genetics.

8. Explain why we should be cautious about attributing children’s successes and failures to parental influence.

9. Explain how twins may experience different prenatal environments, and describe the effect of experience on brain development.

10. Describe how development is influenced by the individual’s peer group and culture.

11. Describe the impact of sex chromosomes and sex hormones on biological development and gender differences.

12. Discuss the importance of gender roles, and explain how social and cognitive factors contribute to gender identity and gender-typing.

13. Discuss the danger of blaming nature and nurture for our own personal failings.