Question

Julian, a researcher, conducts an adoption study and concludes that "nature" affects shyness. Which of these findingsis most consistent with the conclusion of Julian'sstudy? a. Children who are biologically related are dissimilar in their degree of shyness. b. Children who are biologically related but who are raised in different households are similar in shyness. c. A child raised by nonbiological parents is more likely to be shy. d. Identical twins are likely to be dissimilar in theirlevels of shyness.

Short answer

Option B: Children who are biologically related but who are raised in different households are similar in shyness. This supports the idea that "nature" (genetics) affects shyness, even despite varying environmental factors.

Step-by-step solution

Analyze option A

Option a states, "Children who are biologically related are dissimilar in their degree of shyness." This choice does not support the claim of "nature" affecting shyness because it highlights differences in shyness among biologically related children. In fact, it could even suggest that environmental factors play a more significant role than genetic factors in determining shyness.

Analyze option B

Option b states, "Children who are biologically related but who are raised in different households are similar in shyness." This choice supports the idea that "nature" affects shyness. The fact that the children share biological traits but are raised in different environments shows that genetics plays a significant role in determining shyness, even despite varying environmental factors.

Analyze option C

Option c states, "A child raised by nonbiological parents is more likely to be shy." This choice does not provide a strong case for the "nature" argument since it does not compare the child's shyness level to that of biological siblings or relatives. The elevated likelihood of shyness could be attributed to either genetic or environmental factors in this case.

Analyze option D

Option d states, "Identical twins are likely to be dissimilar in their levels of shyness." This choice counters the "nature" argument as identical twins have the same genetic makeup. If their shyness levels are dissimilar, it suggests that environmental factors play a more significant role in determining shyness than genetic factors.

Identify the most consistent finding

Option B provides the strongest support for Julian's conclusion that "nature" affects shyness. Biologically related children raised in different households but displaying similar levels of shyness implies that genetic factors play a significant role in determining shyness, regardless of environmental variations.

Key concepts

Nature vs. Nurture

Nature versus nurture is a long-standing debate in psychology about whether our behaviors and traits are primarily determined by our genetics (nature) or our environment (nurture). It's a fascinating area to explore because it tugs at the strings of what makes us who we are.
Julian's adoption study aims to delve into this question specifically related to shyness. Let's look at it this way:

• If nature is primarily responsible, then our genetic predispositions set the path for our behaviors.
• If nurture is more influential, then our environment, like our upbringing and experiences, shapes our actions and traits.

Each holds weight and contributes uniquely to the development of human behavior. Adoption studies are particularly valuable in this debate because they separate the variables. They allow us to observe individuals with known genetic links in different environments. The findings can be revealing about which factor holds more sway over certain traits, like Julian's conclusion that 'nature' influences shyness.

Genetic Influence on Behavior

Understanding how genetics influence behavior is captivating because it provides insight into inherited tendencies. Genetics serve as the blueprint of our biological framework. They carry the instructions that influence physical and potentially psychological traits.
In Julian's study, biological siblings raised in different households show similar levels of shyness, which highlights the genetic aspect. This shared trait, despite varying environments, suggests that genes substantially contribute to behavior.
Identical twins are often studied because they share the same genetic makeup. If they exhibit similar behaviors, like shyness, even when raised apart, it strengthens the case for genetic influence.
Conversely, if they differ vastly, it points to environmental factors having a stronger hand. But in scenarios like Julian's, the genetic affinity shines through as a major player in shaping behavior.

Psychological Traits

Psychological traits are the aspects of our personality that define how we typically think, feel, and behave. These traits can include things like intelligence, temperament, and of course, shyness. Analyzing these traits in terms of genetic and environmental influence can be quite revealing. Shyness, for instance, is often scrutinized in psychological studies. The temperament might be linked to genetic factors if, as in Julian's study, children show similar levels of shyness despite growing up in different environments. This implies that shyness is not necessarily learned or modified significantly by upbringing, but rather inherited. While genetics may heavily influence certain psychological traits, the environment still plays a pivotal role. It can enhance or diminish these traits depending on external experiences and interactions.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors encompass all external conditions and influences that affect an individual's development and behavior. These include family, culture, education, and personal experiences, among others. In studying behavior, environmental factors are crucial because they can shape and alter psychological traits. For example, even if a child is genetically predisposed to shyness, a nurturing and supportive environment could help them manage and overcome this trait. Adoption studies offer an excellent way to isolate these influences. By comparing genetically similar individuals raised in varied environments, researchers can determine how much of a trait is due to genetics versus the external environment. In Julian's study on shyness, despite varied external experiences, the similarity in shyness levels due to their genetic makeup suggests that environmental factors played a lesser role in this specific trait, further highlighting the nuances in understanding human development.