Heston Adoption Study

Question 1

Aim

Answer 1

How many adopted children of biological mothers with schizophrenia would go onto develop it themselves.

Question 2

Participants

Answer 2

Children for adoption from birth with mom having schizophrenia and no diseases
47 matched w control of age,sex, type of eventual placement and length of time in care

Question 3

Procedure

Answer 3

Data= hospital, skl, police records and friend interview
2 psychiatrists evaluated info blindly and indp
3rd evaluation by heston so agreement= diagnose

Question 4

Findings

Answer 4

Rate born to schizophrenic indv10.6% comp to not born 0%

Question 5

Conclusion

Answer 5

Findings support inf of genes in schizophrenia+ factors inf DVT as some exp group were successful adults

Question 6

Strength

Answer 6

I matched design eg gender and length of time in care
J min ppt variables that could affect internal validity
E confident bio inheritance caused diff in 47 ppt born to s mothers and not enviro factors eg time in care
However= not all factors controlled eg father psychiatric status unchecked = unsure if contribute to ppt results

Question 7

Weakness

Answer 7

I only 10.6 conc rate
J not cause and effects conc fir gen predisposition and s rates for adopted children
E as there are other v eg drug use that could inf MH of adopted away from birth fam