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Some methodological considerations for the behavioral genetic analysis of work attitudes
1Department of Psychology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins 80523.
The Journal of Applied Psychology
|August 1, 1990
Summary
Genetic factors may influence job satisfaction, but research methods like studying identical twins reared apart have validity issues. Quantifying the heritability of job satisfaction requires careful consideration of these limitations.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral genetics
- Organizational psychology
Background:
- Previous research suggested genetics account for 30% of job satisfaction variance.
- Monzygotic (identical) twins reared apart were used to estimate genetic influence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine threats to the validity of twin studies in behavioral genetics.
- To highlight challenges in quantifying the heritability of job satisfaction.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the monozygotic twin-reared-apart research design.
- Identification of potential confounding factors and methodological limitations.
Main Results:
- The twin-reared-apart method presents significant validity threats.
- Numerical estimates of genetic or environmental effects may be unreliable.
Conclusions:
- The heritability of job satisfaction is difficult to accurately quantify using current twin study methodologies.
- Further research is needed to address the limitations of behavioral genetic research in this area.