ET
Unit: College of Arts and Sciences
Department: Department of Psychology
Office location and address
320 Gilmer Hall
485 McCormick Rd
Charlottesville,
Virginia
22903
Biography
The Turkheimer lab studies how interactions between genes and environments shape the development of human behavior. We study many different aspects of behavior, but we are especially interested in issues involved in family life, including marriage, divorce and parenting. Other lines of research focus on the development of human intelligence and personality, particularly in the processes that lead siblings to become different from each other over time. We also study human personality in ways that don't explicitly include genetics. We are developing methods that allow richer and more individualized assessments of personality, and that control for the role played by self-esteem when people describe their own personality.
Publications
Sponsored Awards
AS-PSYC-Interface of Philosophy and Behavioral Genetics
Source: John Templeton Foundation
February 15, 2017 – February 14, 2020
AS-PSYC Human Agency: Genetics, Epigenetics, Philosophy, and Complex Behavior
Source: John Templeton Foundation
November 01, 2015 – December 31, 2019
AS-PSYC Gene-Environment Interaction and Correlation in the Louisville Twin Study
Source: U.S. NIH Institute on Aging
September 30, 2014 – May 31, 2017
AS-PSYC TWINStudy of Environment, Lifestyle Behaviors, and Health
Source: University of Washington
September 01, 2013 – August 31, 2014
Courses
Credits: 3
Introduces the major approaches, methods, and findings in the field of personality psychology. Topics include sex-typing, identification and observational learning, frustration and aggression, stress, anxiety, defense, self-control, altruism, self-concepts, authoritarianism, achievement motivation, and sensation-seeking. An optional weekly review session is offered for those who wish to attend.
Credits: 3
This course covers the history, science and philosophy of the Nature-Nurture debate. Starting with Galton in the 19th Century, it covers classical issues in behavior genetics, twins and modern studies of human DNA. Philosophical, theoretical and social implications of the scientific studies are emphasized.
Credits: 1–4
This course provides the opportunity to offer a new topic in the subject area of psychology.
Credits: 2–3
An original experimental project is undertaken in which each student is responsible for the design and operation of the experiment. S/U grading. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: 14 credits of psychology and instructor permission.
Credits: 3
Reviews symptomatological, classificatory, and epidemiological issues, and surveys the psychological, behavior-genetic, and psychophysiological literature in abnormal psychology. Emphasizes adult psychopathology. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
Credits: 1–12
For master's research, taken before a thesis director has been selected.
Credits: 1–12
Independent laboratory research undertaken with advisor. Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory and can be repeated. Instructor permission required.
Credits: 1–7
Supervision in case assessment, evaluation, and intervention. Emphasizes issues involved in case management; types of issues and decisions that may affect the outcome of intervention; pragmatic issues in dealing with people referred as clients; consultation procedures with referral agencies; and liaisons with community agencies. Student performance is evaluated on a satisfactory/unsatisfactory basis. Prerequisite: Instructor permission.
Credits: 1–12
For doctoral research, taken before a dissertation director has been selected.
Credits: 1–12
For doctoral dissertation, taken under the supervision of a dissertation director.