Question

Why are twin studies an important way to learn about the relative effects of genetics and socialization on children? What questions about human development do you believe twin studies are best for answering? For what types of questions would twin studies not be as helpful?

Answer 1

Answer: Twin studies are important because it is a clear way to test weather nature or nurture have a greater effect on who we are. Twins that were separated at birth were studied because they clearly had the same genetic material (DNA). Therefore, the studies may show differences that could have been influenced by their raisings (nurture).

Some of the questions that can be answered about human development with twin studies are:

o   Questions about personality, behavior, attitude and physical traits.

Some questions that wouldn't be as helpful are:

o   Nature vs Nurture because there are different type of twins. Identical and fraternal twins.