The Difference in a Persons Character: Behavioral Genetics and Emotional Measurement Methods - Research Paper Example

Influence of Heredity and Hormones on Human Behavior Kavitha Yarlagadda 12 April, 2007 In a human being the glands that create and secrete hormones are in the endocrine system. These hormones help in controlling the development, the physical and chemical changes and sexual growth in a person. These hormones on being released into the blood may have an affect on several organs in the body. Hormones act as the carriers of different chemicals, which are produced by the body. Hypothalamus, thyroid, parathyroid, pineal body, pituitary, adrenals, and the reproductive organs are some of the major glands in an endocrine system. The pancreas, which is also a part of the endocrine system, has a major role in digestion and the production of hormones. Some of the hormones which are regulated by the Hypothalamic/Pituitary System are thyroid hormones, cortisol, estrogen or testosterone and Insulin like growth factor (IGF). The functioning of the endocrine system is similar to the working of a thermostat. A signal, which acts as a releasing hormone is sent to the pituitary gland from the hypothalamus, this hormone further arouses the pituitary to exude a stimulating hormone into the blood. This hormone then targets a particular gland to exude its hormone. As the hormones level rises, the discharge of the stimulation and releasing hormone are stopped by the pituitary gland and hypothalamus, which further slows down the discharge from the target glands. This procedure helps in aiding steady blood absorptions of the hormones that are synchronized by the pituitary gland. Endocrine System The division of psychology that studies the link between genetics and a person's behavior is called behavior genetics. We inherit particular genes from our parents, which have an outline for the creation of the human brain. As the genes are different, the brains of two individual people will react differently, and two persons in the same situation also tend to act differently. The role of behavior geneticists is to examine the physical similarities in behavior between two persons who are closely related, and whose genes are almost similar. The geneticists carry out experiments on animals to notice what features of behavior can be inherited by the children. Generally studies on behavioral genetics have been limited only to studies about twins and adopted kids. But recent studies conducted have been more successful by linking certain behaviors with DNA, which were helpful in recognizing possible places for certain genes, which were found to be associated with important psychological illnesses like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. These studies have also not been totally successful in being able to identify the genes that can be linked to a particular disease. The hunt for genes, which can be linked, to sexual liking and basic behavior qualities, seems to be even more difficult. Scientists conducting research on behavioral genetics have affirmed that genes are responsible for many behaviors, which include homosexuality, violence, impulsivity, and development. The growing popularity added to the spotlight on genetic behaviors has contributed to the rebirth of determining genetic behavior, the certainty that genetics play a major role in influencing a person's behavior. Endocrine System Extraordinary behavior in a person cannot be determined by a single gene. Multiple genes, which are influenced by a range of different factors, are responsible for extraordinary behavior in a person. The media, which claims scientific advances in gene function, generally ignore these facts and, regrettably, these reports can be very confusing to the general public. A study conducted in 1999 declared that greater dose of a gene in rats led to improved capacity for knowledge. The over active press, named this gene as the 'smart gene'. What the press failed to reveal was that the affects were only short term, lasting for only a few days. Giving false names to a particular gene, will give a wrong notion in the public about the knowledge of the researchers. These wrong notions in public about smart genes, led to further hype about designer babies, when there is no certainty in the development of a particular behavior in the trail of genes. Genes are only a part of the study in studying about various disorders, genetic behaviors, or any other physical characteristics concerned in the progress of a particular mannerism. It doesn't mean that a person will develop a particular behavior, if he has variation in genetics. Some genetic aspects can be improved or suppressed by certain genetic aspects. Environmental aspects also play a vital role in developing certain behaviors. Taking an example, a person may be more susceptible in raising the risk for developing emphysema due to smoking, which is an environmental factor, because he has a genetic variation. Emphysema would not have developed, if the person had not been used to smoking. Endocrine System The study of the development of cognitive and behavioral methods that are responsible for the actions of human beings is known as Evolutionary psychology. Geneticists dealing with behavior traits and evolutionary psychologists have usually followed human behavioral study with little imaginary or practical exchange. The main aim of the geneticists should be to recognize significant stages between evolutionary psychology and behavioral genetics, to illustrate behavioral genetic study plans and their functions to evolutionary analyses, and to re-evaluate present behavior research because of the new ideas and methods. The five-factor model of behavior is conceptualized as including variation in normative species-typical systems with functions, which are adaptable in the individual setting of evolutionary variation. Individual differences in a person, which are genetically inclined, can be understood in an evolutionary structure. Studies on the heritability of behavior qualities point to major heritabilities in the 0.40-0.50 ranges with verification of considerable genetic differences and ecological influences. According to various studies and evidences, evolutionary theory forecasts certain patterns of public communication in relations. Difference in a person's character may represent a variety of practical approaches that match the prospects available in the multifaceted background of human society. Personality differences use behavioral genetics and emotional measurement methods in the evaluation of characters equally in a standard and unusual range. References Sequl NL, Macdonald KB, 'Behavioral Genetics and Evolutionary Psychology', Pubmed, Retrieved on 12 April 2007, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgicmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9549234&dopt=Abstract 'Anatomy of the Endocrine System', EMedicine Health, Retrieved on 12 April 2007, http://www.emedicinehealth.com/anatomy_of_the_endocrine_system/article_em.htm Joseph Mcinemey, 'Behavioral Genetics' Retrieved on 12 April 2007, http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/elsi/behavior.shtml 'Behavior Genetics', Introductory Psychology, Retrieved on 12 April 2007, http://www.prenhall.com/intropsych/ 'Individual Differences and Evolutionary Psychology', The University of Texas at Austin Retrieved on 12 April 2007, http://homepage.psy.utexas.edu/homepage/DeptArea/IDEP/ Read More