Kaij’s twin study of alcohol abuse

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Created by
lora balfe

Cards (6)

  • What was the aim of this study?
    To see if alcohol addiction is due to nature (hereditary factors) or nurture, using twins.
  • What was the method used?
    Male twins registered with a temperance board for alcohol problems were interviewed as well as their relatives.
  • What were the results of this study?
    61% of identical (MZ) and 39% non-identical (DZ) twins both alcoholic.
    Twins with social problems were overrepresented.
  • What can be concluded from this study?
    Alcohol abuse related to genetic vulnerability.
    Not 100% genetic or MZ twins would all be the same.
    Not 100% environment based or MZ and DZ twins would be the same.
  • What is a negative evaluation of this study?
    Temperance board data only includes drinkers who made a public display of alcohol abuse, so results lack validity.
  • What was a positive evaluation of this study?
    Supported by later studies.
    Kendler found MZ twins are more likely to both be alcoholics than DZ twins showing genes affect alcoholism.