Chapter 6: Nature, Nurture, and Human Behavior Flashcards
What are some limitations of adoption studies? (4)
- Representativeness (are they generalizable). 2. Prenatal environment. 3. “Open” adoption (connection between both parents). 4. Selective placement.
What is selective placement?
When adopted apart children are placed in families with traits similar to the child’s.
What appears to be more important later in life for cognitive ability: environment or genetics?
Genetics.
What is a limitation of the twin study design?
Generalizability.
What is the equal environments assumption?
The environmentally caused similarity is roughly the same for both types of twins reared in the same family.
What does an adoption-twin combination study involve?
Involves twins reared apart and compares them with twins reared together.
Where is an example of an adoption-twin combination study?
Minnesota.
What is the families-of-twins method?
Studying the families of twins.
What are two extensions of the families-of-twins method?
- Children-of-twins design. 2. extended children-of-twins design.
What does the family + twins design (AKA the children-of-twins design) allow us to research?
It allows us to distinguish between genetic and environmental transmission from one generation to the next.
What are two examples of an adoption + family design?
- Colorado Adoption Project. 2. Early Growth and Development Study.
Are monozygotic twins more similar when reared apart?
No, they are as similar no matter the rearing status. They are as similar as the differences for the re-test variability for a single person.
What are two examples of the heritability of the shared environment?
- Family environment. 2. Parenting behaviors.
What are two examples of the heritability of the non-shared environment?
- Stressful life events. 2. Divorce.
