• What are genes? What do they do?

What are genes?

• Genes are bits of DNA which make proteins– These proteins cause physiological responses in

the body• An organism’s genes convey information

about how to construct that organism from one generation to the next

• John and Alan are identical twins who were separated at birth. Alan was raised in a very impoverished environment. John is substantially taller than Alan.

– Why is John taller than Alan?– How does this illustrate the concepts of genotype

and phenotype?

Genotype vs Phenotype• Genotype: the whole set of genetic information

carried by the organism• Phenotype: the physical manifestation of the

genotype. Only some genes carried in the genotype will be expressed in the phenotype.

We are learning about...

We are learning how to...

We need to use...

Genetic influences on behaviourMethods for studying genetic influences

Interpret and evaluate research evidencePresent ideas clearly

ReasoningMaking links

• What’s wrong with most student presentations?

Each group has...

Information about a psychological characteristic, behaviour or disorder

Information about methods used to investigate genetic influences

Some research evidence

Your task is to prepare a 3-minute presentation explaining how far you believe that your characteristic/behaviour/disorder is influenced by genes. You must justify your position using evidence. No supporting materials allowed.

3 Minutes

3 Minutes

3 Minutes

Mini-essay

• Discuss the view that behaviour is influenced by genes.– Examine one behaviour/trait– Present and interpret evidence– Draw attention to limitations of the evidence– Draw a conclusion

• What have you learned today about preparing and giving presentations?