Biosocial theory would predict that changes in which of the following could alter the expression of a biological predisposition?

• A. Social environment.
• B. Random chance only.
• C. Genetic code mutation.
• D. Diet only.

Answer: (A)

Gene expression can be shaped by the environment, not fixed by inheritance alone. Biosocial theory shows biology and social context interact to influence behavior, so changes in the social environment can modify whether a biological predisposition is expressed. Through stress responses and epigenetic changes, social experiences can turn genes on or off or adjust their activity. That makes the social environment the best predictor of altering expression. Random chance isn’t a predictable mechanism; a genetic mutation would change the DNA itself rather than the expression of a predisposition, and dieting is just one environmental factor, whereas the biosocial view highlights social context as the key modulatory influence.