What term refers to factors produced from external sources rather than internally?

Study for the AP Psychology exam - Biological Bases of Behavior section. Explore multiple choice questions with hints and explanations to ace your test!

The correct answer is exogenous, which describes factors that originate from outside an organism. In psychology and biology, this term is often used to refer to influences or stimuli that come from the environment, as opposed to those that are inherent or produced within the organism itself.

For example, in the study of human behavior, exogenous factors can include environmental stimuli like social interactions, cultural influences, and external stressors, which can significantly impact one's behavior and mental health. Understanding this distinction is crucial in fields like psychology, where recognizing the difference between external and internal influences can help in developing effective interventions and therapies.

In contrast to exogenous, intrinsic factors are those that originate from within the organism itself. Genetic factors refer specifically to hereditary influences, while endogenous pertains to internal biological processes. By distinguishing exogenous from these other terms, one gains a clearer perspective on how external environments shape behavior and psychological states.

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