Questions and Answers
What was the aim of the Minnesota Twin Study?
To establish the influence of genes or environment on particular traits and characteristics of human beings.
What was the hypothesis of the Minnesota Twin Study?
It was expected that monozygotic twins raised together and apart would have a high concordance rate due to the inheritance of genes. It was also expected that monozygotic twins would have a higher concordance rate than dizygotic twins.
What were the independent and dependent variables of the Minnesota Twin Study?
Independent variables: monozygotic twins reared together (MZT) or apart (MZA), and dizygotic twins reared together or apart (DZT and MZA). Dependent variable: the measurement of IQ using an intelligence test called WAIS.
What was the research design of the Minnesota Twin Study?
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What sampling technique was used in the Minnesota Twin Study?
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What was the procedure of the Minnesota Twin Study?
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What were the results of the Minnesota Twin Study?
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What are the pros of the Minnesota Twin Study?
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What are the cons of the Minnesota Twin Study?
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What are the applications of the Minnesota Twin Study?
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What outcomes can the Minnesota Twin Study be used for?
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What are the ethical considerations of the Minnesota Twin Study?
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Which experimenter conducted the Minnesota Twin Study?
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What year was the Minnesota Twin Study conducted?
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What does Turkeheimer's summary discuss regarding twins and IQ?
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Study Notes
Minnesota Twin Study Overview
- Aimed to assess the influence of genetic versus environmental factors on human traits and characteristics.
- Bouchard et al. conducted the study in 1990.
Study Hypothesis
- Anticipated high concordance rates for monozygotic twins whether raised together or apart due to genetic inheritance.
- Expected monozygotic twins to show higher concordance in traits than dizygotic twins.
Key Variables
- Independent Variables: Monozygotic twins raised together (MZT) vs. apart (MZA) and dizygotic twins (DZT) raised together and apart.
- Dependent Variable: IQ measured using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS).
Research Design
- Utilized a correlational data approach.
Sampling Technique
- Relied on media coverage for participant recruitment, resulting in a self-selected sample.
Study Procedure
- Involved over 100 sets of twins (MZT and DZT) worldwide.
- Conducted approximately 50 hours of psychological and physiological testing, including IQ assessments.
Study Results
- Concordance rate for IQ in MZT was around 88%; for monozygotic twins raised apart, it was 69%.
- Determined that 70% of intelligence heritability could be attributed to genetics, with 30% from environmental factors.
Advantages of the Study
- Supported by substantial research, enhancing reliability of findings.
- Large participant sample increases external validity compared to other twin studies.
Limitations of the Study
- Self-selected sample due to recruitment methods.
- Lack of control over pre-study contact frequency between twins.
- Assumed equal environments for twins raised together, leading to assumptions that may not hold true.
- Correlational data prevents establishing cause-and-effect relationships.
- Limited generalizability as study participants mainly came from affluent backgrounds, with few from poorer socioeconomic statuses.
Applications of Findings
- Insights into the genetic basis of intelligence and personality, though difficult to generalize broadly.
Potential Outcomes for Further Discussion
- Examination of the impact of genetic inheritance on human behavior in the context of relevant studies.
- Identification of biological level principles demonstrated through research findings.
Ethical Considerations
- Emotional impact on twins raised apart, especially regarding potential trauma from reuniting after long separations.
Additional Research Reference
- Turkeheimer's study analyzed IQ scores in 7-year-old twins, indicating that environmental factors significantly influence intelligence, particularly in impoverished families, contrasting with affluent environments where genetic factors are more influential.
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Description
Explore the Minnesota Twin Study conducted by Bouchard et al. in 1990, which investigates the impact of genetic versus environmental influences on human traits. The study examines the differences in IQ concordance rates between monozygotic and dizygotic twins, shedding light on the nature versus nurture debate.