Class notes
Lecture 1, 2 & 3 introduction to psychology
- Course
- Institution
Lecture 1, 2 & 3 introduction to psychology Lecture 1: genes and evolution Lecture 2: The brain and the nervous system Lecture 3: Consciousness
[Show more]
Seller
Follow
UvAPedagogischeWetenschappen
Reviews received
Content preview
Lectures Introduction to psychologyLecture 1: genes and evolution
Is it correct to claim that a violent person has violent genes?
- 70th no, environment produced violent behavior
- 90th yes, genes produced violent behavior
- today interaction between genes and environment
MAOA allele for low MAO activity – in combination with severe maltreatment – higher
probability of being convicted of violent crimes
Every human cell nucleus 23 chromosomes made up of DNA double helix shape
A, T, G, C (T and A, G and C)
Genes = meaningful sections of the DNA molecule. They are important because they govern
the cell’s functioning by providing instructions for making proteins
Gene expression gene is turned on or turn off turn on, they produce protein. If it is
turned off, they will not produce protein specific cell
In each cell, some genes are expressed at any point in time and others are not. This is
controlled by the biochemical environment inside the cell. The biochemical environment
inside the cell is influenced by the environment outside the cell, timing of development,
behavior
Genotype = an organism’s specific set of genes
Phenotype = the overt traits and behaviors of an organism. Is determined by genotype x
environment
Identical twin: 100% the same genotype, but mostly not the same Phenotype
Each gene is paired with another gene. The pairs are located at corresponding positions on
pairs of chromosomes. Allele is one specific variant of a gene:
- dominant
- Recessive
- homo
- hetero 2 different alleles
A specific trait of behavior is determined by the interaction between the environment and
one gene pair, multiple gene pairs: polygenetic inheritance (= overerving)
The genome = complete set of genes, is shaped by evolution over the years Darwin
But he didn’t know about the genes
Darwin (England, voyaged Galapagos) modern organism is descended from a small set of
shared ancestors and have merged over time through the process of evolution
natural selection is the key mechanism of evolution
1. Variation
, 2. Survive and reproduce at higher rates than others
3. The trait associated with this advantage is passed from parents to offspring (=
nakomeling)
specific traits will be better represented in the next generation
what matters is the survival of the genes
the organisms best suited to their environment are more likely to reproduce and pass on
the characteristics which helped them survive the species changed over time
Modern evolutionary theory many sources
- the fossil record (transitions forms) as predicted by Darwin
- The resemblance (=overeenkomst) between genomes of various organisms
humans have 23 chromosomes
other organisms have 24 chromosomes
- Pseudogenes = inactive gene, non-function now, but maybe a few years ago, inactivation by
mutation
- Distribution of species across the world continental islands was once connected with
the large continent versus oceanic island was never connected with the large continent
Despite the evidence, many people remain skeptical about the theory of evolution
It does not follow that evolution
- somehow improves organism but adapting
- can only lead to rigid behavioral patterns
Nature (genes) versus Nurture (environment)
now, there is an interaction
Who we are is determined by how our genes are expressed in distinct environments?
results of studies
If you want to be happy, you can change it (environment)
Intelligent Design theory: There are aspects of life, like the biochemistry of living cells and
the interactions between genes that are so complex that it is unimaginable that these
systems have emerged solely through variation and natural selection. Evolutionary theory is
unable to account for such crucial moments in the development of life (e.g., the first
emergence of life or the emergence of new species). At those moments, an intelligent power
has intervened, steering life in the right direction (paraphrased from Dembski, 1999).
Lecture 2: The brain and the nerves system
Phenotype is the product of the interaction to genes and environment
- body shape, and inside the body (what is not visible), nerves systems
Nerves system = brain and all the other nerves
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller UvAPedagogischeWetenschappen. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $3.31. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
Can Stuvia be trusted?
4.6 stars on Google & Trustpilot (+1000 reviews)
82215 documents were sold in the last 30 days
Founded in 2010, the go-to place to buy study notes for 14 years now