How does the biological theory of personality view the relationship between heredity and environmental influences?

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Prepare for the MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The biological theory of personality posits that both heredity and environmental influences play critical roles in shaping an individual's personality. This perspective recognizes that genetic predispositions can set the stage for certain traits or behaviors, but environmental factors interact with these biological elements to produce the complex behaviors and characteristics that define personality.

For instance, a person may inherit tendencies towards certain emotional responses or traits, but experiences such as upbringing, cultural influences, and social interactions can moderate or amplify these genetic tendencies. This interactionist approach highlights the importance of considering both biology and environment when examining personality development.

Therefore, the view that both heredity and environmental factors influence personality aligns perfectly with the biological theory of personality, which seeks to provide a more integrated understanding of human behavior that encompasses both genetic and experiential factors.