Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Creating Objects and Object Categories for Studying Perception and Perceptual Learning
Published on: November 2, 2012
Conceptualizing human variation
S O Y Keita1, R A Kittles, C D M Royal
1National Human Genome Center, College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC 20060, USA.
Abstract:
What is the relationship between the patterns of biological and sociocultural variation in extant humans? Is this relationship accurately described, or best explained, by the term 'race' and the schema of 'racial' classification? What is the relationship between 'race', genetics and the demographic groups of society? Can extant humans be categorized into units that can scientifically be called 'races'? These questions underlie the discussions that address the explanations for the observed differences in many domains between named demographic groups across societies. These domains include disease incidence and prevalence and other variables studied by biologists and social scientists. Here, we offer a perspective on understanding human variation by exploring the meaning and use of the term 'race' and its relationship to a range of data. The quest is for a more useful approach with which to understand human biological variation, one that may provide better research designs and inform public policy.
Related Concept Videos
Mutation, Gene Flow, and Genetic Drift
What is Variation?
The range, standard deviation, standard error, and variance are the different measures of variation.
Range: The range is the difference between its maximum and...
Variability: Analysis
The range is a simple measure of variability, indicating the difference between the highest and...
Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Genetic Variation
Genes exist in different versions called alleles, which...
Evolutionary Psychology

