Course Content
Technical Support
1-800-234-5832
M–Th: 8:00A.M.–Midnight EST
F: 8:00A.M.–10:00P.M. EST
Lesson Plans
Psychology, 6th Edition ©2000
by Wade, Tavris
Week 4
Chapter 3: Evolution, Genes, and Behavior
Performance Objectives:
- Assess the effects of heredity and environment on behavior.
- Explain how evolved tendencies interact with the present enviornment and culture to determine behavior.
- Identify the relationships among DNA, genes, and chromosomes.
- Recognize that language is organized in a hierarchical structure.
- Evaluate the theories of language acquisition.
Resources:
- Chapter 3: Evolution, Genes, and Behavior—pp. 64–97
- Study Guide and Practice Tests—pp. 59–87
- Instructor's Resource Manual—pp. 79–106
- Test Bank—pp. 51–75
Pacing Guide:
- Unlocking the Secrets of Genes, Genetic Similarity—day 1
- Our Human Heritage: Language—day 2
- The Genetics of Difference—day 3
- Our Human Diversity: Body Weight and Shape—day 4
- In Praise of Human Variation—day 5
- Block Scheduling
Combine Unlocking the Secrets of Genes and Our Human Heritage into one block. The Genetics of Difference, Our Human Diversity, and In Praise of Human Variation should be combined into one block as well.
Key Words:
- genes, p. 66
- chromosomes, p. 66
- DNA, p. 66
- genome, p. 66
- linkage studies, p. 66
- genetic markers, p. 66
- evolutionary psychology, p. 68
- evolution, p. 68
- mutate, p. 68
- natural selection, p. 68
- Charles Darwin, p. 68
- language, p. 72
- surface structure/deep structure, p. 73
- syntax, p. 73
- language acquisition device, p. 73
- universal grammar, p. 74
- overregularizations, p. 74
- neural networks, p. 75
- critical periods, p. 76
- sociobiology, p. 77
- behavioral genetics, p. 81
- heritability, p. 81
- identical and fraternal twins, p. 82
- set point, p. 84
- bulimia and anorexia nervosa, p. 88
- intelligence quotient, p. 89
Critical Thinking Questions:
- During evolution, why do some traits become more common and others less common?
- How do parents help children acquire language?
- Why are Americans and people in many other countries getting fatter?
- To what extent is intelligence heritable?
Troubleshooting Tips:
- The book mentions three areas of psychology in this chapter: genetics, language, and intelligence. You may need to refer to content in chapters 9 and 13 to complete study in these three important areas.
- The study of genetics is becoming more and more important in understanding behavior, and is considered a "hot" topic in the science of psychology. Consider pulling scientifically-based supplemental materials from periodicals to augment discussions.
End-of-Chapter Activity:
Taking Psychology With You: How to Lose Weight—and Whether You Should (student edition, p. 95)