A study finds that children of mothers with a fear of heights are more likely to have a fear of heights themselves.Which of the following may be a reason why it would be inaccurate to conclude that a fear of heights is genetically transmitted from mother to offspring?
A)Specific phobias cannot be genetically transmitted.
B)The mothers may model phobic behavior.
C)The study did not test the possibility of the fathers' having a fear of heights.
D)None of the above.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The fact that the mothers may model phobic behavior is a plausible alternative explanation for why children of mothers with a fear of heights are more likely to have a fear of heights themselves, which would indicate environmental rather than genetic transmission. Therefore, it would be inaccurate to conclude that a fear of heights is solely genetically transmitted from mother to offspring. Choices A and C are irrelevant to the question being asked or are contradicted by the information provided in the stem.

A Study Finds That Children of Mothers with a Fear