April 2004 | Monitor on Psychology
Vol. 35 No. 4
On the Cover: Behavioral Genetics
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Behavioral genetics: meet molecular biology
The wedding of techniques from molecular biology with traditional twin and family studies has ushered in a 'postgenomic era' in behavioral genetics.
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New research opportunities where genes and behavior intersect
The new Social and Behavioral Research Branch of the National Human Genome Research Institute gives psychologists and other social science and health researchers a new opportunity.
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Heritability: it's all relative
Heritability is a statistical measure defined in relation to a particular environment and a particular population.
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A second look at twin studies
As behavioral genetics enters a second century, the field's oldest research method remains both relevant and controversial.
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Gender bender
New research suggests genes and prenatal hormones could have more sway in gender identity than previously thought.
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Are beliefs inherited?
Research shows some attitudes are rooted in genetics, though environment is still key.
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Genes and disease: more knowledge can equal more fear
As more people consider genetic testing, psychologists can help them cope with what's often an emotionally charged process.
IN BRIEF
- Cognitive tests may help determine driving capability
- IQ-adjusted testing better detects Alzheimer's signs
- CBT may stabilize over-activity in higher-order brain areas
- General cognition also makes the difference on the job, study finds
- APA president talks heart health at the White House
- Interplay of emotion and calculation influences people's value estimates
- Educating Congress about psychologists' education
- APA Council endorses fair-testing code, forms new working group, among other actions
ETHICS ROUNDS
Practitioners were influential in the creation of the code.
Features
Modern anorexia may stem from an adaptation that helped ancient nomadic people find food, according to a recently proposed theory.
With Steven J. Breckler at the helm, the directorate will build bridges linking the science of psychology with other sciences and disciplines.
Duke University's new training program for minority researchers uses extra funds and a one-on-one focus to fuel innovative research.
NYU psychoanalytic and Africana studies programs form a pioneering partnership.
A psychologist's course combats failure in college, and now in high school.
APA highlights psychology's contributions to education at a teacher education conference.
Psychobiologists show how the vagal pathway links hormones outside the brain to neurotransmitters inside the brain to lock in memory of emotional or stressful events.
A CLOSER LOOK
Div. 1 is working on a sixth volume of its popular "Portraits of Pioneers in Psychology" book series.
PUBLIC POLICY UPDATE
While 2004 congressional spending fell short of psychology's expectations, 2005 funding for key federal programs could drop even lower. APA's policy staff are poised to counter that possibility.
COLUMNS
In the Public Interest
Judicial Notebook
President's Column
Running Commentary
Science Directions