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Related Experiment Videos

Twin studies in behavioral research: a skeptical view.

Leon J Kamin1, Arthur S Goldberger

  • 1Department of Psychology, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, 7701, South Africa. kamin@cybertours.com

Theoretical Population Biology
|March 16, 2002
PubMed
Summary

This review critically examines twin studies estimating heritability. The authors find the methods and conclusions unconvincing, questioning the scientific value of numerous heritability estimates.

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Area of Science:

  • Behavioral genetics
  • Human quantitative genetics

Background:

  • Twin studies are a common method for estimating genetic and environmental influences on human traits.
  • Two major research projects utilizing twins reared apart are analyzed.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically review two large-scale twin studies.
  • To evaluate the methodology and conclusions regarding heritability estimates.
  • To assess the scientific utility of the generated heritability data.

Main Methods:

  • Detailed review of two ongoing twin research projects.
  • Analysis of model-fitting procedures used to estimate genetic and environmental variance.
  • Examination of sample representativeness, data accuracy, twin contact, and selective placement.

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Main Results:

  • The two reviewed studies reached similar conclusions regarding heritability.
  • Significant methodological concerns were identified, including sample representativeness and data reliability.
  • The extent of contact between nominally separated twins and selective placement effects were discussed as potential confounds.

Conclusions:

  • The conclusions drawn from the reviewed twin studies are not convincing.
  • Methodological limitations cast doubt on the validity of the heritability estimates.
  • The proliferation of heritability estimates from such studies serves no clear scientific purpose.