Thomas J. Jr. Bouchard
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195332834
- eISBN:
- 9780199868117
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195332834.003.0005
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind
This chapter shows that genetic variation is an important feature of virtually every human psychological trait and must be taken into account in any comprehensive explanation (theory) of human ...
More
This chapter shows that genetic variation is an important feature of virtually every human psychological trait and must be taken into account in any comprehensive explanation (theory) of human behaviour. It begins by discussing the mistaken but widely held belief that ‘genetic variance’ is an indicator of the biological or evolutionary unimportance of a trait. It then turns to the role of quantitative genetic methods in modern biology. Application of these methods across a very large number of quantitative characteristics of an equally large number of species leads to the conclusion that almost all quantitative characters are heritable. This truism is illustrated for the major domains of normal human individual differences: mental ability, personality, psychological interests, and social attitudes. It is shown that compared with effects in social psychology, ecology, and evolution, as well as psychological assessment and treatment, known quantitative genetic influence on human psychological traits should be considered large in magnitude. The argument that ‘ there are no genes for behaviour’ is refuted using ‘clockwork’genes as an example. Using the example of corn oil, it is also shown the fact that finding genes for a quantitative character can be very difficult. The chapter concludes by pointing out that molecular genetics will not replace quantitative genetics; rather, the two levels of analysis will fit together seamlessly.Less
This chapter shows that genetic variation is an important feature of virtually every human psychological trait and must be taken into account in any comprehensive explanation (theory) of human behaviour. It begins by discussing the mistaken but widely held belief that ‘genetic variance’ is an indicator of the biological or evolutionary unimportance of a trait. It then turns to the role of quantitative genetic methods in modern biology. Application of these methods across a very large number of quantitative characteristics of an equally large number of species leads to the conclusion that almost all quantitative characters are heritable. This truism is illustrated for the major domains of normal human individual differences: mental ability, personality, psychological interests, and social attitudes. It is shown that compared with effects in social psychology, ecology, and evolution, as well as psychological assessment and treatment, known quantitative genetic influence on human psychological traits should be considered large in magnitude. The argument that ‘ there are no genes for behaviour’ is refuted using ‘clockwork’genes as an example. Using the example of corn oil, it is also shown the fact that finding genes for a quantitative character can be very difficult. The chapter concludes by pointing out that molecular genetics will not replace quantitative genetics; rather, the two levels of analysis will fit together seamlessly.
Bryan G. Winchester
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780198508786
- eISBN:
- 9780191723803
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198508786.003.0004
- Subject:
- Neuroscience, Disorders of the Nervous System
This chapter begins with a discussion of the molecular genetics of lysosomal enzyme deficiencies. It then discusses the relation of mutations to the structure and function of lysosomal enzymes, and ...
More
This chapter begins with a discussion of the molecular genetics of lysosomal enzyme deficiencies. It then discusses the relation of mutations to the structure and function of lysosomal enzymes, and genotype/phenotype correlation in groups of neuronal storage disorders.Less
This chapter begins with a discussion of the molecular genetics of lysosomal enzyme deficiencies. It then discusses the relation of mutations to the structure and function of lysosomal enzymes, and genotype/phenotype correlation in groups of neuronal storage disorders.
Günter P. Wagner
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691156460
- eISBN:
- 9781400851461
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691156460.003.0007
- Subject:
- Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics
This chapter examines the molecular genetics of evolutionary novelties. In particular, it investigates which molecular mechanisms might be involved in the origination of novel gene regulatory ...
More
This chapter examines the molecular genetics of evolutionary novelties. In particular, it investigates which molecular mechanisms might be involved in the origination of novel gene regulatory networks (and, thus, character identity networks) and what these mechanisms imply for the origin of novel characters. The chapter begins with a discussion of the complex problem of the evolution of transcriptional regulation by focusing on the evolution of cis-regulatory elements (CREs) and the evolution of transcription factor proteins. It then asks whether novel pigment spots, such as the Drosophila wing spots, are novelties. It also explores an evolutionary novelty known as sex comb and the role of transposable elements in the origin of novel CREs. Finally, it considers the role of gene duplications, the evolution of micro-RNAs (miRNAs), and the possibility of a mechanistic difference between adaptation and innovation.Less
This chapter examines the molecular genetics of evolutionary novelties. In particular, it investigates which molecular mechanisms might be involved in the origination of novel gene regulatory networks (and, thus, character identity networks) and what these mechanisms imply for the origin of novel characters. The chapter begins with a discussion of the complex problem of the evolution of transcriptional regulation by focusing on the evolution of cis-regulatory elements (CREs) and the evolution of transcription factor proteins. It then asks whether novel pigment spots, such as the Drosophila wing spots, are novelties. It also explores an evolutionary novelty known as sex comb and the role of transposable elements in the origin of novel CREs. Finally, it considers the role of gene duplications, the evolution of micro-RNAs (miRNAs), and the possibility of a mechanistic difference between adaptation and innovation.
Ian J. Deary
- Published in print:
- 2000
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780198524175
- eISBN:
- 9780191712531
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198524175.003.0009
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Psychology
This chapter describes and criticizes research that seeks the biological foundations of intelligence differences by studying head size, brain size, electroencephalographic indices, brain imaging, and ...
More
This chapter describes and criticizes research that seeks the biological foundations of intelligence differences by studying head size, brain size, electroencephalographic indices, brain imaging, and molecular genetics.Less
This chapter describes and criticizes research that seeks the biological foundations of intelligence differences by studying head size, brain size, electroencephalographic indices, brain imaging, and molecular genetics.
Michael Pluess (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- August 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780199686674
- eISBN:
- 9780191766787
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199686674.001.0001
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Evolutionary Psychology
The science of psychological well-being has gained a lot of interest in the last decade. While it has been shown that psychological well-being is partly heritable, research focused on the ...
More
The science of psychological well-being has gained a lot of interest in the last decade. While it has been shown that psychological well-being is partly heritable, research focused on the investigation of specific genetic factors related to well-being emerged only in the last few years. This relatively new research explores not only heritability based on traditional twin study designs, but also includes studies combining some of the most recent molecular genetic techniques and methods. This book summarizes the state of knowledge regarding heritability and molecular genetics in positive psychology and is divided into four sections. In Section 1, the basics of genetics and associated research methodology are introduced in order to provide the reader with the knowledge required to understand the empirical work presented throughout the book. The second section focuses on heritability estimates of the most important positive psychology concepts based on quantitative behavioral genetics studies. In the third section of the book, results from more recent molecular genetics studies are presented, including candidate gene, gene–environment interaction, as well as genome-wide association studies (GWAS). This section also contains chapters on epigenetics and imaging genetics, both relatively new methodologies that are just about to make their way into the field of positive psychology. The fourth and final section of the book discusses more overarching questions regarding the roles of genes and environment in the development of well-being, as well as a review and discussion of the current state of knowledge and future direction in this new field of inquiry.Less
The science of psychological well-being has gained a lot of interest in the last decade. While it has been shown that psychological well-being is partly heritable, research focused on the investigation of specific genetic factors related to well-being emerged only in the last few years. This relatively new research explores not only heritability based on traditional twin study designs, but also includes studies combining some of the most recent molecular genetic techniques and methods. This book summarizes the state of knowledge regarding heritability and molecular genetics in positive psychology and is divided into four sections. In Section 1, the basics of genetics and associated research methodology are introduced in order to provide the reader with the knowledge required to understand the empirical work presented throughout the book. The second section focuses on heritability estimates of the most important positive psychology concepts based on quantitative behavioral genetics studies. In the third section of the book, results from more recent molecular genetics studies are presented, including candidate gene, gene–environment interaction, as well as genome-wide association studies (GWAS). This section also contains chapters on epigenetics and imaging genetics, both relatively new methodologies that are just about to make their way into the field of positive psychology. The fourth and final section of the book discusses more overarching questions regarding the roles of genes and environment in the development of well-being, as well as a review and discussion of the current state of knowledge and future direction in this new field of inquiry.
Alistair Dawson
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780198520863
- eISBN:
- 9780191706189
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198520863.003.0009
- Subject:
- Biology, Biodiversity / Conservation Biology
This chapter considers methods used to study the physiology and genetics of birds. It describes methods for obtaining samples of blood and tissue from wild birds, experimentation, anaesthesia, ...
More
This chapter considers methods used to study the physiology and genetics of birds. It describes methods for obtaining samples of blood and tissue from wild birds, experimentation, anaesthesia, administration of substances to birds, implants, and laparatomy. The legal and ethical considerations involved in the use of invasive and experimental methods are discussed in detail. The uses of materials gathered from such techniques in studies of ecotoxicology, endocrinology, energetics, and molecular genetics are described.Less
This chapter considers methods used to study the physiology and genetics of birds. It describes methods for obtaining samples of blood and tissue from wild birds, experimentation, anaesthesia, administration of substances to birds, implants, and laparatomy. The legal and ethical considerations involved in the use of invasive and experimental methods are discussed in detail. The uses of materials gathered from such techniques in studies of ecotoxicology, endocrinology, energetics, and molecular genetics are described.
Helen E. Longino
- Published in print:
- 2013
- Published Online:
- January 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780226492872
- eISBN:
- 9780226921822
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- University of Chicago Press
- DOI:
- 10.7208/chicago/9780226921822.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Science
This book enters into the complexities of human behavioral research, a domain still dominated by the age-old debate of “nature versus nurture.” Rather than supporting one side or another or ...
More
This book enters into the complexities of human behavioral research, a domain still dominated by the age-old debate of “nature versus nurture.” Rather than supporting one side or another or attempting to replace that dichotomy with a different framework for understanding behavior, the book focuses on how scientists study it, specifically sexual behavior and aggression, and asks what can be known about human behavior through empirical investigation. It dissects five approaches to the study of behavior—quantitative behavioral genetics, molecular behavior genetics, developmental psychology, neurophysiology and anatomy, and social/environmental methods—highlighting the underlying assumptions of these disciplines, as well as the different questions and mechanisms each addresses. The book also analyzes efforts to integrate different approaches. It concludes that there is no single “correct” approach but that each contributes to our overall understanding of human behavior. In addition, the book reflects on the reception and transmission of this behavioral research in scientific, social, clinical, and political spheres.Less
This book enters into the complexities of human behavioral research, a domain still dominated by the age-old debate of “nature versus nurture.” Rather than supporting one side or another or attempting to replace that dichotomy with a different framework for understanding behavior, the book focuses on how scientists study it, specifically sexual behavior and aggression, and asks what can be known about human behavior through empirical investigation. It dissects five approaches to the study of behavior—quantitative behavioral genetics, molecular behavior genetics, developmental psychology, neurophysiology and anatomy, and social/environmental methods—highlighting the underlying assumptions of these disciplines, as well as the different questions and mechanisms each addresses. The book also analyzes efforts to integrate different approaches. It concludes that there is no single “correct” approach but that each contributes to our overall understanding of human behavior. In addition, the book reflects on the reception and transmission of this behavioral research in scientific, social, clinical, and political spheres.
Rowland H. Davis
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- April 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195154368
- eISBN:
- 9780199893935
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195154368.003.0007
- Subject:
- Biology, Biochemistry / Molecular Biology
This chapter focuses on the choice of a model organism, in this case the bacterium Escherichia coli, in the development of molecular genetics. It shows that this choice was made inconspicuously just ...
More
This chapter focuses on the choice of a model organism, in this case the bacterium Escherichia coli, in the development of molecular genetics. It shows that this choice was made inconspicuously just three years after Beadle and Tatum published their 1941 paper on the first biochemical mutants of Neurospora.Less
This chapter focuses on the choice of a model organism, in this case the bacterium Escherichia coli, in the development of molecular genetics. It shows that this choice was made inconspicuously just three years after Beadle and Tatum published their 1941 paper on the first biochemical mutants of Neurospora.
Matthew C. Keller, Daniel P. Howrigan, and Matthew A. Simonson
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195372090
- eISBN:
- 9780199893485
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195372090.003.0010
- Subject:
- Psychology, Evolutionary Psychology, Social Psychology
This chapter reviews the major proximate and ultimate sources of genetic variation. It outlines the currently-available methods that can be used to examine these major sources, with an emphasis on ...
More
This chapter reviews the major proximate and ultimate sources of genetic variation. It outlines the currently-available methods that can be used to examine these major sources, with an emphasis on molecular genetic methods, such as assays of mutation load and whole-genome association studies. It argues for the necessity of “consilience” between evolutionary psychology and molecular genetics.Less
This chapter reviews the major proximate and ultimate sources of genetic variation. It outlines the currently-available methods that can be used to examine these major sources, with an emphasis on molecular genetic methods, such as assays of mutation load and whole-genome association studies. It argues for the necessity of “consilience” between evolutionary psychology and molecular genetics.
Clay Keith, Clay Fuqua, Curt Lively, and Michael J. Wade
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780198567080
- eISBN:
- 9780191717871
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198567080.003.0004
- Subject:
- Biology, Disease Ecology / Epidemiology
The prevalence of human pathogens may be determined in part by microbial interactions within vectors. Ticks represent the primary source of vector-borne infections disease in the United States and ...
More
The prevalence of human pathogens may be determined in part by microbial interactions within vectors. Ticks represent the primary source of vector-borne infections disease in the United States and carry more human pathogens than any other arthropod. This chapter explores the use of molecular genetic methods to examine microbial community structure in several common tick species to test the direction and strength of microbial interactions. Microbial interactions are explored via epidemiological models to see whether they affect pathogen prevalence and disease incidence. The results are generally applicable to a wide range of arthropod vectors of disease such as mosquitoes, fleas, and lice, and provide a better understanding of how microbial community ecology affects disease dynamics.Less
The prevalence of human pathogens may be determined in part by microbial interactions within vectors. Ticks represent the primary source of vector-borne infections disease in the United States and carry more human pathogens than any other arthropod. This chapter explores the use of molecular genetic methods to examine microbial community structure in several common tick species to test the direction and strength of microbial interactions. Microbial interactions are explored via epidemiological models to see whether they affect pathogen prevalence and disease incidence. The results are generally applicable to a wide range of arthropod vectors of disease such as mosquitoes, fleas, and lice, and provide a better understanding of how microbial community ecology affects disease dynamics.
Kenneth F. Schaffner
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- May 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780195171402
- eISBN:
- 9780190464103
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195171402.003.0003
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Science, Moral Philosophy
This chapter focuses on recent molecular approaches to behavioral genetics including gene finding and molecular genetics. In the latter the investigators identify critical DNA variants and trace the ...
More
This chapter focuses on recent molecular approaches to behavioral genetics including gene finding and molecular genetics. In the latter the investigators identify critical DNA variants and trace the biological pathways from DNA to traits or disorders. The dialogue between Judge Jean and the behavioral geneticist is resumed, now discussing linkage and association methods including the newer genome-wide association studies (GWAS) that have produced a paradigm shift and raised the problem of "missing heritability." Novelty seeking and Alzheimer's disease studies are summarized, and how quantitative and molecular research programs are related is considered. The final dialogue introduces two cases involving genetic testing for IQ and for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Judge Jean learns how much is known about both the quantitative and the molecular aspects of IQ and ADHD, and she is introduced to a promising but skeptical vision of the future of behavioral genetics in the context of neuroscientific complexity.Less
This chapter focuses on recent molecular approaches to behavioral genetics including gene finding and molecular genetics. In the latter the investigators identify critical DNA variants and trace the biological pathways from DNA to traits or disorders. The dialogue between Judge Jean and the behavioral geneticist is resumed, now discussing linkage and association methods including the newer genome-wide association studies (GWAS) that have produced a paradigm shift and raised the problem of "missing heritability." Novelty seeking and Alzheimer's disease studies are summarized, and how quantitative and molecular research programs are related is considered. The final dialogue introduces two cases involving genetic testing for IQ and for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Judge Jean learns how much is known about both the quantitative and the molecular aspects of IQ and ADHD, and she is introduced to a promising but skeptical vision of the future of behavioral genetics in the context of neuroscientific complexity.
Ragnhild Bang Nes
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- April 2014
- ISBN:
- 9780199926725
- eISBN:
- 9780199394531
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199926725.003.0009
- Subject:
- Psychology, Social Psychology
Some people seem to have more joy juice than others, experiencing more positive emotions. Why is this so? An abundance of studies have shown that positivity runs in families, suggesting that positive ...
More
Some people seem to have more joy juice than others, experiencing more positive emotions. Why is this so? An abundance of studies have shown that positivity runs in families, suggesting that positive emotions may be rooted in genetics or shared family circumstances. Over the last decade, behavior geneticists have tried to resolve why positivity is a family matter and shown family resemblance to be largely due to genes. By means of quantitative and molecular genetic techniques, behavior genetic studies have also enabled a growing understanding of the genetic and environmental processes underpinning variation, co-variation, stability, and change in positive emotions, and identified some of the specific genes involved. This chapter aims to provide an overview of methods, findings and implications from studies exploring genetic and environmental influences on a range of positivity indicators such as subjective well-being, life satisfaction, positive affect, and optimism. Thus, the focus is placed on positive emotionality broadly defined with the choice of indicators largely determined (or limited) by the research that has been published to date.Less
Some people seem to have more joy juice than others, experiencing more positive emotions. Why is this so? An abundance of studies have shown that positivity runs in families, suggesting that positive emotions may be rooted in genetics or shared family circumstances. Over the last decade, behavior geneticists have tried to resolve why positivity is a family matter and shown family resemblance to be largely due to genes. By means of quantitative and molecular genetic techniques, behavior genetic studies have also enabled a growing understanding of the genetic and environmental processes underpinning variation, co-variation, stability, and change in positive emotions, and identified some of the specific genes involved. This chapter aims to provide an overview of methods, findings and implications from studies exploring genetic and environmental influences on a range of positivity indicators such as subjective well-being, life satisfaction, positive affect, and optimism. Thus, the focus is placed on positive emotionality broadly defined with the choice of indicators largely determined (or limited) by the research that has been published to date.
Nathaniel Comfort
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- October 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780300169911
- eISBN:
- 9780300188875
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Yale University Press
- DOI:
- 10.12987/yale/9780300169911.003.0006
- Subject:
- Society and Culture, Technology and Society
This chapter argues that Victor McKusik was not the founder of medical genetics, but was rather a mere guide of the discipline as it transcended into becoming molecular genetics and genomics. The ...
More
This chapter argues that Victor McKusik was not the founder of medical genetics, but was rather a mere guide of the discipline as it transcended into becoming molecular genetics and genomics. The chapter explains that when McKusik was studying genetics, the discipline already had an extensive history that stretches back in decades before he even started working on it. During the Progressive era, physicians, public health workers, health reformers, and geneticists, studied the genetics of disease, creating research paradigms and disease model systems that are still in use today.Less
This chapter argues that Victor McKusik was not the founder of medical genetics, but was rather a mere guide of the discipline as it transcended into becoming molecular genetics and genomics. The chapter explains that when McKusik was studying genetics, the discipline already had an extensive history that stretches back in decades before he even started working on it. During the Progressive era, physicians, public health workers, health reformers, and geneticists, studied the genetics of disease, creating research paradigms and disease model systems that are still in use today.
Meike Bartels and Bart M. L. Baselmans
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- August 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780199686674
- eISBN:
- 9780191766787
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199686674.003.0010
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Evolutionary Psychology
Psychological well-being constitutes a growing area of research in behavioral genetics. Quantitative behavioral genetic studies have revealed that a substantial part (~40%) of the variation in ...
More
Psychological well-being constitutes a growing area of research in behavioral genetics. Quantitative behavioral genetic studies have revealed that a substantial part (~40%) of the variation in subjective well-being (SWB) could be attributed to genetic influences, supporting the scientific effort to identify genomic regions associated with well-being. However, this field is still in its infancy and the few attempts are showing mixed results. Therefore, this chapter provides an overview of the existing molecular genetic studies involving psychological well-being. The different methodological approaches, such as linkage and association analysis, are discussed for their strengths and limitations as well as their opportunities. In general, most studies were likely underpowered to detect genetic effects associated with well-being, a phenotype that is expected to be influenced by many genes with small effect sizes. However, a GWAS (>100K) is in the pipeline and will appear in the near future.Less
Psychological well-being constitutes a growing area of research in behavioral genetics. Quantitative behavioral genetic studies have revealed that a substantial part (~40%) of the variation in subjective well-being (SWB) could be attributed to genetic influences, supporting the scientific effort to identify genomic regions associated with well-being. However, this field is still in its infancy and the few attempts are showing mixed results. Therefore, this chapter provides an overview of the existing molecular genetic studies involving psychological well-being. The different methodological approaches, such as linkage and association analysis, are discussed for their strengths and limitations as well as their opportunities. In general, most studies were likely underpowered to detect genetic effects associated with well-being, a phenotype that is expected to be influenced by many genes with small effect sizes. However, a GWAS (>100K) is in the pipeline and will appear in the near future.
Michael Pluess and Michael J. Meaney
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- August 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780199686674
- eISBN:
- 9780191766787
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199686674.003.0015
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Evolutionary Psychology
The field of psychology has a long history of debating to what degree psychological traits are determined by genetic predispositions versus environmental factors. According to quantitative behavioral ...
More
The field of psychology has a long history of debating to what degree psychological traits are determined by genetic predispositions versus environmental factors. According to quantitative behavioral genetics studies, psychological well-being has a significant heritable genetic component. However, environmental factors consistently tend to explain more variance than genetic ones. While these findings imply that genes and environment have independent and distinctly quantifiable effects, a biological perspective suggests that any developmental outcome is the function of the dynamic and bidirectional interplay between genetic and environmental factors. This view is supported by recent molecular genetics studies on gene–environment interaction and epigenetics. Consequently, psychological well-being reflects the combined additive and multiplicative effect of multiple factors, including genes, environment, their interaction, as well as stochastic processes. Given this complex relationship between genes and environment, current methods and approaches are not yet able to precisely disentangle genetic and environmental contributions to psychological well-being.Less
The field of psychology has a long history of debating to what degree psychological traits are determined by genetic predispositions versus environmental factors. According to quantitative behavioral genetics studies, psychological well-being has a significant heritable genetic component. However, environmental factors consistently tend to explain more variance than genetic ones. While these findings imply that genes and environment have independent and distinctly quantifiable effects, a biological perspective suggests that any developmental outcome is the function of the dynamic and bidirectional interplay between genetic and environmental factors. This view is supported by recent molecular genetics studies on gene–environment interaction and epigenetics. Consequently, psychological well-being reflects the combined additive and multiplicative effect of multiple factors, including genes, environment, their interaction, as well as stochastic processes. Given this complex relationship between genes and environment, current methods and approaches are not yet able to precisely disentangle genetic and environmental contributions to psychological well-being.
Kenneth F. Schaffner
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- May 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780195171402
- eISBN:
- 9780190464103
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195171402.003.0002
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Science, Moral Philosophy
Chapters 1 (and 2) provide a common basis and a vocabulary for appreciating the contours of behavioral and psychiatric genetics. There are three dialogues between a behavioral geneticist and an ...
More
Chapters 1 (and 2) provide a common basis and a vocabulary for appreciating the contours of behavioral and psychiatric genetics. There are three dialogues between a behavioral geneticist and an appeals court judge who wishes to find out more about behavioral genetics for eventual use in her court cases. The distinction between classical quantitative genetics and modern molecular genetics is introduced. In the former, no specific genes are identified, though heritability estimates are provided. The contentious concept of "heritability" is analyzed in detail and its limitations delineated in the first dialogue. A simple mathematical argument is sketched to show how twin studies yield heritabilities and environmental influences for both traits and disorders, and the critical assumptions of such studies are summarized. The chapter closes with an analysis of the shared and nonshared environment issue and a sketch of what is known as an ACE diagram.Less
Chapters 1 (and 2) provide a common basis and a vocabulary for appreciating the contours of behavioral and psychiatric genetics. There are three dialogues between a behavioral geneticist and an appeals court judge who wishes to find out more about behavioral genetics for eventual use in her court cases. The distinction between classical quantitative genetics and modern molecular genetics is introduced. In the former, no specific genes are identified, though heritability estimates are provided. The contentious concept of "heritability" is analyzed in detail and its limitations delineated in the first dialogue. A simple mathematical argument is sketched to show how twin studies yield heritabilities and environmental influences for both traits and disorders, and the critical assumptions of such studies are summarized. The chapter closes with an analysis of the shared and nonshared environment issue and a sketch of what is known as an ACE diagram.
Kenneth F. Schaffner
- Published in print:
- 2016
- Published Online:
- May 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780195171402
- eISBN:
- 9780190464103
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195171402.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Science, Moral Philosophy
This book provides an overview of the recent history and methodology of behavioral genetics and psychiatric genetics. The perspective is primarily philosophical and addresses a wide range of issues, ...
More
This book provides an overview of the recent history and methodology of behavioral genetics and psychiatric genetics. The perspective is primarily philosophical and addresses a wide range of issues, including genetic reductionism and determinism, "free will," and quantitative and molecular genetics. The latter covers newer genome-wide association studies (GWAS) that have produced a "paradigm shift" in the subject and generated the problem of "missing heritability." Cases involving genetic testing for IQ and for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are presented. This text examines the nature-nurture controversy and developmental systems theory using C. elegans or "worm" studies as a test case, concluding that genes are special and provide powerful tools, including "deep homology," for investigating behavior. A novel account of biological knowledge emphasizing the importance of models, mechanisms, pathways, and networks is offered that clarifies how partial reductions provide explanations of traits and disorders. The book examines personality genetics and schizophrenia and its etiology, including quotes from a number of prominent researchers interviewed in recent years. Caspi and Moffitt's research and critiques of their "candidate gene" approach are discussed. It is noted that thousands of genes are likely to influence human personality. The book concludes with additional philosophical implications of the genetic analyses raised in the earlier text, some major worries about "free will," and arguments pro and con about why genes and DNA are so special. A pessimistic view of the current state of the field, but optimism for the future of the subject, is proposed.Less
This book provides an overview of the recent history and methodology of behavioral genetics and psychiatric genetics. The perspective is primarily philosophical and addresses a wide range of issues, including genetic reductionism and determinism, "free will," and quantitative and molecular genetics. The latter covers newer genome-wide association studies (GWAS) that have produced a "paradigm shift" in the subject and generated the problem of "missing heritability." Cases involving genetic testing for IQ and for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are presented. This text examines the nature-nurture controversy and developmental systems theory using C. elegans or "worm" studies as a test case, concluding that genes are special and provide powerful tools, including "deep homology," for investigating behavior. A novel account of biological knowledge emphasizing the importance of models, mechanisms, pathways, and networks is offered that clarifies how partial reductions provide explanations of traits and disorders. The book examines personality genetics and schizophrenia and its etiology, including quotes from a number of prominent researchers interviewed in recent years. Caspi and Moffitt's research and critiques of their "candidate gene" approach are discussed. It is noted that thousands of genes are likely to influence human personality. The book concludes with additional philosophical implications of the genetic analyses raised in the earlier text, some major worries about "free will," and arguments pro and con about why genes and DNA are so special. A pessimistic view of the current state of the field, but optimism for the future of the subject, is proposed.
Bruce Walsh and Michael Lynch
- Published in print:
- 2018
- Published Online:
- September 2018
- ISBN:
- 9780198830870
- eISBN:
- 9780191868986
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/oso/9780198830870.003.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics, Biochemistry / Molecular Biology
Quantitative traits—be they morphological or physiological characters, aspects of behavior, or genome-level features such as the amount of RNA or protein expression for a specific gene—usually show ...
More
Quantitative traits—be they morphological or physiological characters, aspects of behavior, or genome-level features such as the amount of RNA or protein expression for a specific gene—usually show considerable variation within and among populations. This chapter provides a historical overview of the study of such traits and their connections with traditional and molecular population genetics, applied breeding, and evolutionary theory.Less
Quantitative traits—be they morphological or physiological characters, aspects of behavior, or genome-level features such as the amount of RNA or protein expression for a specific gene—usually show considerable variation within and among populations. This chapter provides a historical overview of the study of such traits and their connections with traditional and molecular population genetics, applied breeding, and evolutionary theory.
Andrea L. Glenn and Adrian Raine
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- March 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780814777053
- eISBN:
- 9780814777077
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- NYU Press
- DOI:
- 10.18574/nyu/9780814777053.003.0002
- Subject:
- Psychology, Developmental Psychology
This chapter presents Dr. Robert Hare's book, Without Conscience, in which he describes a set of female twins who drastically differ in personality. One twin grows up to be a lawyer with ambitious ...
More
This chapter presents Dr. Robert Hare's book, Without Conscience, in which he describes a set of female twins who drastically differ in personality. One twin grows up to be a lawyer with ambitious career prospects, while the other develops drug addiction, has numerous encounters with the law, and demonstrates many of the traits of psychopathy. In relation to this, the chapter outlines evidence from two overarching fields of genetic research: behavioral genetics and molecular genetics. Behavioral genetics studies aim to disentangle how much a disorder is the result of genes versus environmental factors; this approach includes twin and adoption studies. Meanwhile, molecular genetics identifies specific genes that may confer risk for the disorder.Less
This chapter presents Dr. Robert Hare's book, Without Conscience, in which he describes a set of female twins who drastically differ in personality. One twin grows up to be a lawyer with ambitious career prospects, while the other develops drug addiction, has numerous encounters with the law, and demonstrates many of the traits of psychopathy. In relation to this, the chapter outlines evidence from two overarching fields of genetic research: behavioral genetics and molecular genetics. Behavioral genetics studies aim to disentangle how much a disorder is the result of genes versus environmental factors; this approach includes twin and adoption studies. Meanwhile, molecular genetics identifies specific genes that may confer risk for the disorder.
Roberta Bivins
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- September 2015
- ISBN:
- 9780198725282
- eISBN:
- 9780191792625
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198725282.003.0007
- Subject:
- History, British and Irish Modern History, History of Science, Technology, and Medicine
Molecular genetics was an area in which elite British scientists and research institutions sought to compete on a global scale. Sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia, genetic conditions strongly ...
More
Molecular genetics was an area in which elite British scientists and research institutions sought to compete on a global scale. Sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia, genetic conditions strongly linked to specific racialized ethnic communities, offered British researchers an opportunity to leapfrog their US counterparts: here, the UK’s newly diverse population and less toxic racial politics represented a huge advantage. So too was the availability of the NHS as a source of universal healthcare, and the discretionary power held by research elites within it to mediate access to both specialist and general services in the name of research. Yet service provision to affected communities lagged behind research funding, emerging only in response to community activism. While sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia were not significant sources of morbidity or mortality, their symbolism and scientific potential attracted clinical and political attention denied to other more mundane (and more prevalent) chronic conditions.Less
Molecular genetics was an area in which elite British scientists and research institutions sought to compete on a global scale. Sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia, genetic conditions strongly linked to specific racialized ethnic communities, offered British researchers an opportunity to leapfrog their US counterparts: here, the UK’s newly diverse population and less toxic racial politics represented a huge advantage. So too was the availability of the NHS as a source of universal healthcare, and the discretionary power held by research elites within it to mediate access to both specialist and general services in the name of research. Yet service provision to affected communities lagged behind research funding, emerging only in response to community activism. While sickle cell anaemia and thalassaemia were not significant sources of morbidity or mortality, their symbolism and scientific potential attracted clinical and political attention denied to other more mundane (and more prevalent) chronic conditions.
