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Twin study

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Twin research is based on the notion that if identical twins (whose genes are exactly the same) reared apart are more similar than fraternal twins or non-twin siblings (who are similar, but not identical, in genetic inheritance) reared together, heredity must be the most important influence. According to this theory, if psychological characteristics such as intelligence, emotionality and sociability were determined by heredity, identical twins would be exactly alike and researchers would find correlations of +1.00. However, studies show that correlations are less than +1.00.

How do you think these results can be explained? What does this tell us about the role of environment vs. heredity in the development of psychological traits?

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Solution Summary

Based on the case, this solution explains the results, and what these results reveal about the role of environment vs. heredity in the development of psychological traits. Supplementary article on the topic and references are provided.

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Let's take a closer look at the meaning of the results of this research. There is also an informative article attached examining research in this area. It also has a number of peer reactions to the article at the end of the article.

RESPONSE:

1. How do you think these results can be explained? What does this tell us about the role of environment vs. heredity in the development of psychological traits?

Indeed, the contribution of genetic makeup versus environmental influences still concerns researchers, who are working to determine what really shapes us. The biological (nature side of the controversy) proponents argue that genotypes control how people think, feel, and behave. The nature side of the controversy and its proponents (environmentalists) argue the exact opposite. The nurture proponents believe it is the ...

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