Behavior Genetics

Definition

Behavior genetics is a field of study in psychology that examines the role of genetic and environmental influences on behavior.

Analogy

Think of behavior genetics like baking a cake. The ingredients (genes) you start with can greatly influence the outcome, but how you mix them together and bake them (environmental factors) also plays a crucial role in what kind of cake (behavior) you end up with.

Related terms

Genotype: This refers to an individual's collection of genes. Just like the list of ingredients for your cake recipe.

Phenotype: This is the observable traits or characteristics of an individual, such as height, eye color, and behavior. It's like the final baked cake - what we can see and taste.

Heredity: This is the passing on of physical or mental characteristics genetically from one generation to another. Like passing down a family recipe from generation to generation.