Question 1

In comparison of identical twins reared together and identical twins reared apart,it was found that

Accepted Answer

Studies on identical twins reared together and apart have shown that while those reared apart tend to have more differences due to their different environments, there are still some cases where twins reared apart appear very similar. On the other hand, those reared together may have some differences in personality traits, despite their genetic similarity, due to different life experiences and environmental factors. The occurrence of mental illness in one twin also depends on various factors, including genetic predisposition and environmental influences. Therefore, option D is the best choice as it acknowledges the complexity of these studies and the variability in findings.

Question 2

Often when twins who were separated at birth are reunited,they tend to focus on all of their similarities,while ignoring their differences.This is an example of

Accepted Answer

The tendency to focus on similarities while ignoring differences is an example of confirmation bias, which is the tendency to interpret information in a way that confirms one's preexisting beliefs or expectations. In this case, the belief that twins must be very similar leads to a bias towards noticing and emphasizing their similarities while disregarding their differences.

Question 3

Based on the research to date,most psychologists would argue that personality is

Accepted Answer

Most psychologists agree that personality is a combination of genetics and environment. While  genetic factors do play a role in personality development, the environment, including experiences, culture, and socialization, also plays a crucial part in shaping one's personality. Studies on identical twins raised in different environments also provide evidence that genetics alone cannot fully account for personality.

Question 4

The "amazing similarities" of identical twins may be a result of

Accepted Answer

The confirmation bias refers to the tendency to search for, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms preexisting beliefs or expectations. In the case of identical twins, people may expect them to be extremely similar and therefore notice and remember instances where they are similar while ignoring differences. This can lead to an overestimation of the similarities between them.

Question 5

In studies at the University of Minnesota on twins reared apart,it was found that identical twins were similar in

Accepted Answer

The studies at the University of Minnesota on twins reared apart found that identical twins were similar in their athletic or artistic talents, facial and hand gestures, voice quality, and nervous tics, such as nail biting. Therefore, the best choice is D (all of these).

Question 6

Studies have shown which of the following to be influenced by heredity?

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that all of the given options can be influenced by heredity. Intelligence and some mental disorders are known to have a genetic component, as are facial features and body type. Additionally, certain temperamental traits have been linked to genetic factors.

Question 7

All told,it seems reasonable to conclude from twin studies that the role of heredity in determining personality is

Accepted Answer

While heredity does have a significant impact on personality traits, twin studies have shown that environmental factors also play a large role in shaping personality. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that heredity is sizable, but not the single most powerful factor in determining personality.

Question 8

Because people of the same age and sex live in the same historical times and select from similar societal options,

Accepted Answer

The answer of Because people of the same age and...

Question 9

According to twin studies,the role of environment in shaping personality is

Accepted Answer

Twin studies have shown that both heredity and environment play significant roles in shaping personality, with the environment being as much or more important than genetics in many aspects of personality development.

Question 10

According to studies of the influence of heredity and environment on personality traits,heredity appears to be responsible for what percent of the variation in many personality traits?

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that heredity is responsible for about 25 to 55 percent of the variation in many personality traits. The remaining variation is attributed to environmental factors such as upbringing, experiences, and cultural influences. It is important to note that the exact percentage may vary depending on the specific trait being studied and the methods used to measure it.

Question 11

Concerning the Minnesota reunited twin studies,which of the following aspects of their lives is more likely to be due to genetic similarities than to living in the same historical time period?

Accepted Answer

Likelihood of having a nervous tic like nail biting is believed to have a genetic component, whereas liking certain foods or political affiliation are more likely to be influenced by societal and environmental factors. Joining the National Guard could also be influenced by societal and environmental factors.

Question 12

Some breeds of dogs have reputations for being friendly,aggressive,intelligent,calm,or emotional.The study of such differences in inherited traits would occur within the field of

Accepted Answer

The study of differences in inherited traits related to behavior such as friendliness, aggressiveness, intelligence, etc. would fall under the field of behavioral genetics. This field focuses on the genetic and environmental factors that influence behavior. Analytical genetics and statistical genetics both relate to the analysis of genetic data, but they do not specifically focus on behavior. Inferential statistics is a branch of statistics used to make generalizations or inferences about a population based on sample data and is not directly related to the study of genetic traits.

Question 13

According to your textbook,the psychologists at the University of Minnesota for the last several decades have been studying

Accepted Answer

The psychologists at the University of Minnesota have been studying identical twins who grew up in different homes to understand the influence of genetics versus environment on personality development. This research is known as the Minnesota Study of Twins Reared Apart (MISTRA).

Question 14

In a study that compared twins to unrelated pairs of students,who were the same age and sex,the unrelated pairs of students were

Accepted Answer

The answer of In a study that compared twins to...

Question 15

If you know the personality of an identical twin,you can expect the personality of the other twin to be

Accepted Answer

Identical twins share the same genetic makeup, which plays a significant role in determining personality traits. Therefore, the personalities of identical twins are often more similar compared to fraternal twins or siblings who do not share identical genetics. However, environmental factors also influence personality, so their personalities may not be identical.

Question 16

Gina and Tina are identical twins who were separated at birth and grew up in different families.Which of the following aspects of their lives is more likely to be due to genetic similarities?

Accepted Answer

Singing ability and musical talent are strongly linked to genetics and are often seen in families with a musical background.

Question 17

In a study that compared twins to unrelated pairs of students,who were the same age and sex,the unrelated pairs of students were almost as alike as the twins.These unrelated pairs had similar political beliefs,musical interests,religious preferences,job histories,hobbies,and favorite foods.These unrelated students were so similar because

Accepted Answer

The similar traits between the unrelated pairs of students in the study can be explained by their similar backgrounds and life experiences, such as being of the same age and sex, living in the same historical times, and selecting from similar societal options. This suggests that environmental factors have a strong influence on individual traits and preferences.

Question 18

An ideal situation for studying the role of genetics in behavior involves

Accepted Answer

Identical twins reared apart would be the best choice because it controls for environmental influences, as the twins may have different life experiences and surroundings. This allows researchers to isolate the role of genetics in behavior.

Question 19

Connie and Sue are identical twins reared apart and recently reunited.Carl and Fred are unrelated students at a major university.Which of the following statements is TRUE of these pairings?

Accepted Answer

The statement suggests that identical twins reared apart share many similarities due to their genetic makeup, while Carl and Fred may share many similarities but are not motivated to discover them. While it is possible that Carl and Fred may have more similarities than Connie and Sue, the statement does not provide evidence to support this.

Question 20

What one becomes and where one goes in life is the result of

Accepted Answer

While genetic programming and personality traits may have some influence, research has shown that the environment plays a significant role in shaping a person's choices and opportunities. Ultimately, it is the choices one makes that determine their path in life, and these choices are influenced by a combination of inherited tendencies and environmental factors.

Quiz 53: Personality: Behavioral and Social Learning Theories