BIOLOGICAL LEVEL OF ANALYSIS

Genetics & Ethics

Biological LoA: Genetics & Behavior

Behavioral genetics: Understanding how both genetics and the environment play a role to individual variations in human behavior.

Rhesus macaque monkeys & humans 93% genes are shared, the 7% makes a large difference

Complexity of genetics:Inheritance contributes to behavior and

acts as a building block however, it is not probable that one specific gene is responsible for complex behaviors: Intelligence, criminal behavior, attachment, altruism

+ = DISORDER

The diathesis-stress modelThe model looks at the genetic/biologic vulnerability to a disorder/disease and the stress or traumatic environmental stimuli that may trigger a disorder (such as depression)  The diathesis-stress model uses the analogy of a "walking time bomb" to help explain why, for example, not 100% of identical twins both get depression. It also helps to explain why a large percent of people in traumatic situations (post 9/11, rape, etc.) never develop PTSD. The model further talks about a balance -- the greater the diathesis or predisposition, the less the stress required for the disorder to "appear" and visa versa. 

Biological / genetic predisposition

Stress(environment)

Inheritance

Genes that are passed down from parents to their off-spring

Humans are composed of 23 pairs of chromosomes (23 + 1 chromosome for down-syndrome) 20,000-25,000 genes

James Watson: Human Genome Project 1990-2003 Mapped human genes Regardless of this amazing accomplishment, the

role of specific genes are still unknown

Genetic Research

Based off of correlation studiesIndependent variable is not

manipulated, so no cause and effect can be determined.

Three types:Twin StudiesFamily StudiesAdoption Studies

Monozygotic (MZ) Dizygotic (DZ)

Identical: one egg split in two

Share 100% of genes Same sex

Fraternal: Formed from two separate eggs

Share 50% of genes just like any other siblings Same or different sex

Twin Studies

Used as basis for hypotheses since they show the different degrees of genetic relationship. In twin studies the correlation found is known as concordance.

Family Studies

More representative of the general population

Different degree of relatedness is compared with behavior to determine the impact of genes.

Child

Mother (50%)

Grandparent (25%)

Grandparent (25%)

Father (50%)

Adoption Studies

Used to determine how great of an impact environment plays in behavior since the child does not share any genes with foster parents.

Often criticized because of selective placement Agencies tend to find adoptive parents that are

similar to their biological parents which cause a difficulty in determining separating genetic inheritance from environment influences. This process is known as selective placement.

EvolutionAnother principle of the biological LoA is that

the environment presents obstacles & challenges for each individual.

In essence, those that adapt have a better chance of survival & having offspring which allows their genes to be passed down.

Theory of Natural Selection

Members of a species acquire adaptive behaviors to survive the ever-changing environment (those better suited for environment will breed and pass on characteristics)

http://youtu.be/Pt2gHpqfZNAAdaption: Species develop characteristics that

make it more competitive in its environmentCharles Darwin (Galapagos Island, finches, beaks)

On the Origin of Species (He didn’t yet know of the biological process through which traits are inherited)

Descent of Man

The Descent of Man findings

We humans share several behaviors with other animalsMate selectionLove of mother for offspringSelf-preservationSimilar facial expressions as apesSimilar feelings as animals

Monkeys vs. Humans

Tetsuro Matsuzawa (2007)Looked at spatial memory in young chimps Used 3 chimps that were taught to recognize

the numbers 1-9 on a computerHumans and chimps saw number flashed on a

touch screen monitor and then the numbers were covered with blank squares and then were asked to touch the squares in sequential order.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gf3_JrTEGW0

Findings

Humans had more errors and less accuracy as numbers were flashed and replaced by squares quicker As agriculture developed, spatial memory skills aren’t

as important for finding food Perhaps this skill was replaced by the ability to develop

languageChimps had astonishing memory; no difference

in their recall in relation to the amount of time that the numbers were replaced with squares. Adaption for survival skills such as remembering where

food and danger is located in the rain forest

Ethics

What are Ethics?

Standards for proper and responsible behavior

Promote dignity, foster human well-being, and maintain scientific integrity

Those that were unethical

Harry Harlow (separated baby monkeys from mothers to research attachment) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrNBEhzjg8I

Phil Zimbardo (Students role playing prisoner guards to measure the impact of authority roles) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jdOoxnr7AI

Stanley Milgram (“painful shocks” to another person to measure obedience)

All were highly publicized in the 1960s and 1970s and ethical guidelines were strengthened http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1zlCybdvdg

APA Guidelines

No Unnecessary DeceptionNo pain to humans or animals

Protect confidentiality

Confidentiality

Keep personal information private Use numbers to label participants, not their actual

nameDo NOT share ANY information that

could be harmful to the individual(s) or any other information that should be kept private

Keep data objective Store data in a secure location

Informed Consent

Some research may cause stress or discomfort if so, you must receive informed consent.Emotional/mental stress

Explain study and allow participants to have a choice to participate or not.

If under 18 must receive PARENTAL CONSENT

Debriefed

The nature of the experiment (what was being studied)

The results and conclusions must be shared with all participants

Ethical Considerations

Because research in human genetics looks to identify certain genes involved in hereditary diseases there can be some negative outcomes: May pose risks to participants due to the

link between genetic heritage and people’s life

Information obtained may cause stress to participants family

If misused, information can be stigmatizing which could lead the inability to get a job or health insurance.

Other Ethical Considerations

You may not BRIBE or FORCE participants to be a part of your research.

Conduct your research at a location that is free of distractions and where participants information will remain confidential.

You must allow them to leave at any time.Larger sample sizes are preferred for situations

of individuals leaving or not showing up.Don’t skew your data to support your hypothesis

It’s alright for your hypothesis to be null

Specific Considerations Regarding Confidentiality

Aboriginal people may object to genetic studies

Eugenics and other forms of discrimination is the cause. Research to find “good genes” and encourage “better

breeding” Produce healthier and more intelligent offspring

Consent and speaking to community leaders are a must for many aboriginal and ethnic groups.