Field Journal

Source: Twin Study Article

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In this study, pairs of twins (monozygotic and dizygotic) were separated at young ages and reared apart during formative years before being reunited as adults. Research methods in this experiment include naturalistic observation, where the twins were each observed/assessed in their own environment, questionnaires on social attitude and leisure time interests, and longitudinal studies. Longitudinal studies occur where the same set of twins were followed/studied for many years. Prior to the modern experiment, three previous case studies helped researchers predict results and better conduct the modern trials. All of these research methods are wisely chosen– they are widely accepted and generally accurate, and do not interfere notably with the participants' daily lives. Longitudinal studying is perhaps the best way to observe genetically versus environmentally onset behavioral changes in twins over time.

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The experiment revealed most preferences and behavior are genetically influenced, rather than teachable traits that a child learns while growing up. While no current results exist on children reared in "optimal" environments, the study reveals variations in IQ across the population are due to genetic variations, once more reaffirming the claim that environment plays a lesser role in determining human characteristics. The debate of Nature vs. Nurture continues unaffected, however these scientific results show that– overall– human characteristics are genetically based. Despite being raised apart in different environments, "monozygotic twins reared apart are about as similar as are monozygotic twins reared together. "