PSY352H5 Lecture Notes - Lecture 5: Gene Targeting, Determinism, Genetically Modified Organism
Document Summary
Heritability, genetic determinism, iq, sex, criminality & racism. People thing genetics is something you can"t change not true. Nothing is genetically programmed like diseases, adhd, stroke, mental health etc. Many of these things have a predisposition, but it"s not pre-determined. Environment can turn on or off certain genes. Suicide victims who were abused as kids abuse changed their brain. Epigenetic effect: environmental effect that activated/deactivates certain genes. Child with abnormal gene was not violent unless they were abused by kids if abused = violent gene is activated in child. Idea that people are genetically born being violent" = idea that we can"t do anything else to help these people except lock them up. Genetic argument ignores social and economic factors that produce aversive behaviors. Addiction: can be addicted to things other than drugs; power, money, etc. When behavior genetics is mixed w/ dark side of political motivation.
