Psychology 2320A/B Lecture Notes - Heritability, Twin Study, New Approach

• School: Western University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: Psychology 2320A/B
• Professor: Elizabeth Hayden

Document Summary

The cycle of violence (caspi et al. (2002) role of genotype on the cycle of violence in maltreated children: childhood maltreatment adult antiscocial behavior. Most maltreated children do not become antisocial. Maoa gene: codes maoa enzyme which breaks down (metabolizes) neurotransmitters(ne, 5-ht, da) Metabolism may be important for regulating stress response. Two alleles: low and high metabolic activity of enzyme. Basically saying that there are 2 alleles that depending on the genetic extent of one which have the alleles will either make them better or worse at handling stress. Predictors: maoa genotype (low maoa activity vs high) and childhood maltreatment. Research in child psychology: research on etiology, research on treatment. Research in child psychopathology background: good research tests specific hypotheses based on theory, hypothesis: prediction about relationship between constructs. Construct: a psychological abstraction that must be operationalized for research (eg/intelligence, depression) Operationalizing in psychology is typically not clear. Cannot be proven only supported (or not) by data.