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Behavioral Genetics
Studies how both genetics and environment contribute to human behavior.
- we inherit our genetic material, DNA, from our parents
- however, no single gene is responsible for a behavior; it simply provides a building block for it
- but genetics alone do not affect behavior, environmental factors also influence it
Based on this principle, some people may have genetic "predisposition" towards a behavior, however, without the appropriate environmental stimuli, the gene is not turned on and the behavior is not expressed
Due to the bidirectional nature of behavior (nature vs nurture), genetic research is based largely on correlation studies
- as a result of this, cause and effect cannot be determined
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Study Used
Caspi et al. (2003): 5-HTT Genes and Depression