I I BACH I B PSYCHOLOGY HL

Genetics and Behavior

Learning outcome: With reference
to research studies, to what extent
does genetic inheritance influence
behavior?

Genetics
Sexual reproduction
brings together genetic
information from two
parents in a fertilized
egg.
This accounts for a
large number of
inherited characteristics
each new organism
has.
DNA was discovered
in 1953 by Watson and
Crick, however we
knew before then about
the passing of genetic
information.

Genetics
Genetic information is contained in chromosomes.
Chromosomes: tightly wound strings of DNA present in
every cell of the human body.
Genes: groupings within the DNA of any chromosome.
There are 23 pairs of chromosomes in every human cell
(except egg and sperm cells).
Genetics
Each chromosome pair consists of one chromosome
from each parent.
Two different sets of DNA, two different sets of genetic information.
Genes come in pairs, one gene on each chromosome of a
chromosome pair
Genes are thought to be responsible for the development
of physical and behavioral characteristics.
Genetics
Genotype: an individuals genetic make-up.
The genotype of an individual does not exclusively dictate the
characteristics of any individual organism.
Environmental factors such as diet and habitat also influences
the way an organism develops.
Phenotype: the observable characteristics of an
organism.
The result of genotype and environment interacting.
Clausen et al. (1948) study about yarrow plants at
different altitudes.
Conclusion?

What does genetic information do?
One of the most famous examples of successful
genetic research that has helped us understand
human behavior relates to the genetic condition
phenylketonuria (PKU).
Show video My PKU Life
This is a good example of findings of genetic
research:
1. The gene that causes PKU has been identified
2. The role of the gene is clear
3. An intervention follows (in this case, a strict diet)
Unfortunately, most genetic research falls short of
these findings with PKU.
Misrepresentation in media


Further examples of genetic influence
Schizophrenia (Heston, 1966)
Textbook p. 60

Twin studies
Textbook p. 60
References
Unless otherwise cited, the information from this
presentation come from the following two IB text
books as well as insight from the presenter.
Bryan-Zaykov, C., Halkiopoulos, C., & Law, A. (2010)
Psychology. Harlow, Essex: Pearson Education
Limited.
Crane, J. & Hannibal, J. (2009) Psychology Course
Companion. Oxford: Oxford UP.

References
Pictures
http://www.geneticliteracyproject.org/wp/wp-
content/uploads/2012/09/blue-DNA.jpg
http://www.washington.edu/news/files/2013/11/human-
chromosomes-NHGRI-85330.jpg
http://www.b4fa.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/How-are-
chromosomes-inherited1.png