PSY230H1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 6: Reticular Formation, Molecular Genetics, Behavioural Genetics

• School: UTSG
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSY230H1
• Professor: Professor Walker

Document Summary

Behavioural genetics provides indirect evidence of genetic influences. Look for actual gene markers that are associated with personality traits. But, there have been several failures to replicate findings, especially for single genes & small effects. Rather, genes influence biological (physiological) processes, which in turn influence personality traits. The influences of genes on personality are mediated by biological processes physiological approaches: eysenck. Remember eysenck s model from lecture 5 (see textbook for hierarchical structure of personality)* argued that individual differences in personality are biologically based. Evidence supporting the importance of genetics physiological approaches: eysenck. Extraversion-introversion based on the brain s ascending reticular activating system (aras) Aras is region in the brain stem thought to control overall cortical arousal. Introverts thought to have higher resting levels of cortical arousal (aras lets in too much stimulation) Prefer nonstimulating environments to keep already heightened arousal levels in check. Need to downregulate arousal to maintain optimal levels.