What was the primary finding of the Minnesota study of twins reared apart?

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A) Environment has a stronger influence on personality than genetics.

B) Identical twins raised apart have more differences than similarities.

C) Genetic factors have a significant influence on personality and behavior.

D) Twins raised together are more similar than twins raised apart.

Correct Answer:

C) Genetic factors have a significant influence on personality and behavior.

Explanation:

The primary finding of the Minnesota study of twins reared apart showcased significant similarities in the twins. Even raised apart from each other the twins shared similar personality traits, behavior, and traits. This showcases the strong influence of genetics on personality and behavior. Hence C is the correct option.

Detailed Overview

The Minnesota study of twins was a major research project that explored the effects of genetics and environment on growth.

Study Overview:

• Conducted by Thomas Bouchard and his team at the University of Minnesota, starting in 1979.
• Involved 137 pairs of twins (including both identical and fraternal twins).
• The twins were raised apart in different families and social environments.

Key Findings:

• The twins even though raised apart showed high similarities in their behavior and life choices.
• Genetics proved to be the major factor deciding the growth direction.
• The IQ correlation turned out to be just 0.7 indicating the strong impact of genetics in that too.
• The environment has a minor effect on their growth but not as serious as genetics.

Traits Found to Be Highly Influenced by Genetics:

• Intelligence – Strong genetic component (correlation of 0.7–0.8)
• Personality – Traits like extroversion, introversion, and emotional stability were highly heritable
• Mental Health – Disorders like depression, schizophrenia, and anxiety showed strong genetic links
• Interests and Hobbies – Even when raised apart, twins often share similar tastes and preferences

Environmental Influence:

The environment had more influence on specific aspects of life such as:

• Political and religious views
• Social behavior
• Career choices

Similarities in Personality:

Even twins raised apart had similar scores on personality tests measuring traits like:

• Openness
• Conscientiousness
• Extroversion
• Agreeableness
• Neuroticism

FAQs About the Minnesota Study

What was the main goal of the Minnesota Study of Twins Reared Apart?

The main goal of the Minnesota study of twins reared apart was to understand the influence of genetics compared to the environment. The study helped to understand which one of the two had more impact on the kids.

What type of twins were studied in the Minnesota Study?

The study focused on both identical (monozygotic) and fraternal (dizygotic) twins who were raised apart.

Did the study find any influence of environment on personality?

It did. The environment also had an impact on the personality of the twins. Mainly it showcased the influence on their political views, religious beliefs, and societal habits.

How did the study impact the nature vs. nurture debate?

The nature vs nurture debate was about understanding the role of genetics and the environment in people's growth. The study proved that although both have their roles, nature, or genetics has more influence.

Are identical twins more similar than fraternal twins in personality?

Yes, identical twins are more similar than fraternal twins in personality. They share more of the gene pool so it's quite common to be more similar too.

What limitations were present in the Minnesota Study?

The main limitations of the Minnesota Study were the small sample size and relatively similar socioeconomic backgrounds. These limited the results making the nurturing differences be a lot less than they could have been.

What impact did the study have on psychology and genetics?

The study clearly showcases the role of genetics in human psychology. It led to the development of behavioral genetics as a field too.