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Twin studies are important because, as in any scientific experiment, it is important to reduce the number of variables and have a good control group. Twins are genetically identical so it can be assumed any differences in their mental makeup are due to "nurture" rather than "nature". Also, in a drug trial, if one is given a drug and the other given a placebo, any effects shown in the twin that took the drug and not seen in the twin that took the placebo can be assumed to be a result of the drug, not any underlying genetic reaction to the drug.

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Why have some people criticized the logic of twin studies?

Some people criticize twin studies because they assume that twins growing up in the same environment experience similar influences, which might not always be the case. Additionally, critics argue that twin studies may not account for genetic differences within twin pairs or the potential effects of epigenetics. Lastly, some critics suggest that the results of twin studies can be influenced by researcher bias or methodological limitations.


What are the four methods of study in behavioral genetics?

The four methods of study in behavioral genetics are family studies, twin studies, adoption studies, and molecular genetic studies. Family studies look at the occurrence of traits within families, while twin studies compare the similarities between identical and fraternal twins. Adoption studies examine the influence of genetics and environment by comparing adopted individuals with their biological and adoptive families. Molecular genetic studies analyze specific genes and their impact on behavior.


What theories suggest that important components of personality are inherited?

Theories such as the biological theory of personality suggest that important components of personality, such as temperament and traits, are influenced by genetic factors passed down from parents. Research on heritability estimates also supports the idea that genetic factors play a significant role in shaping aspects of personality. Twin studies and family studies have provided evidence that genetics contribute to the development of personality characteristics.


What are the disadvantages of using twins studies?

First off, twins are hard to come by. This is especially true of conditions that are already rare, since they do not often have the chance to conduct a twin study due to the low probability of finding an already rare condition in twins. Twin studies are more likely to be case studies, which limit their scope and generalizability. If the twins were raised together, the assumption that similarity in twins is the result of heredity has to compete with the explanation that some similarity is attributable to a common upbringing and not genes alone.


Describe how twin and adoption studies help us differentiate hereditary and environmental influences on human hehavior?

Twin studies compare the behavior of identical twins (who share 100% of their DNA) with fraternal twins (who share 50%). If identical twins are more similar in behavior than fraternal twins, it suggests a genetic influence. Adoption studies compare the behavior of adopted individuals with their biological and adoptive families. If adopted individuals are more similar to their biological relatives, it suggests a genetic influence, whereas if they are more similar to their adoptive families, it suggests an environmental influence.

Related Questions

Which of these is another term used to indicate twin studies?

Twin studies are also referred to as twin research or twin analysis, as they involve comparing characteristics of twins to understand the influence of genes and environment on traits or behaviors.


Why have some people criticized the logic of twin studies?

Some people criticize twin studies because they assume that twins growing up in the same environment experience similar influences, which might not always be the case. Additionally, critics argue that twin studies may not account for genetic differences within twin pairs or the potential effects of epigenetics. Lastly, some critics suggest that the results of twin studies can be influenced by researcher bias or methodological limitations.


What are two common types of kinship studies?

twin and adoptee


What is the study of a population of genetically-identical individuals?

Twin studies.


How does being a twin effect your astrology?

It has no effect at all in a basic sense. Some studies have found that one twin tends to express half the traits of the chart and the other twin the remaining half.


Most important complication in multiple pregnancy?

TWin to twin tranfusion syndrome.


Linkage studies refer to tracing a particular trait within a family does this mean that twin and adoption studies are a type of linkage study?

No. Linkage studies use markers to identify chromosomal regions that may be linked to disease. Twin and adoption studies establish heritability and thus the genetic basis of a disease, not which chromosome or chromosomal region may be implicated. For this reason they are called genetic epidemiological studies.


Why is the petronas twin towers important?

The Petrona Twin Towers are so important because they are the 4th tallest buildings in the WORLD!


What are the four methods of study in behavioral genetics?

The four methods of study in behavioral genetics are family studies, twin studies, adoption studies, and molecular genetic studies. Family studies look at the occurrence of traits within families, while twin studies compare the similarities between identical and fraternal twins. Adoption studies examine the influence of genetics and environment by comparing adopted individuals with their biological and adoptive families. Molecular genetic studies analyze specific genes and their impact on behavior.


In order to estimate trait heritability researchers are most likely to make use of?

twin studies


What has the author Gudmund Smith written?

Gudmund Smith has written: 'Psychological studies in twin differences'


Operational definition of similarities in twin studies?

Similarities in twin studies typically refer to the extent to which identical twins (who share 100% of their genes) are more similar to each other in terms of a particular trait or characteristic than fraternal twins (who share, on average, 50% of their genes). This difference in similarity between types of twins allows researchers to estimate the heritability of that trait.