15.2.2 Adoption Studies

• What is the primary purpose of adoption studies in understanding behavior?

  Separate genetic and environmental influences
• Unlike twin studies, adoption studies focus on individuals raised apart from their biological parents
• Adoptees share high genetic overlap with their biological parents but low environmental overlap.
• Match the steps in the methodology of adoption studies with their descriptions:

  Data Collection ↔️ Gather aggression data from adoptees and their families

  Comparative Analysis ↔️ Compare aggression levels between adoptees and biological parents

  Statistical Analysis ↔️ Quantify correlations using statistical methods
• What is one benefit of adoption studies in understanding aggression?

  Separating genetic and environmental influences
• Adoption studies allow researchers to assess genetic contributions independently of shared environments.
• When adoptees share a low environment with their adoptive parents, it suggests that environment influences their behavior.
• High aggression similarity between adoptees and biological parents indicates a genetic influence.
• Order the factors that influence adoptee aggression based on shared genes and environment:

  1️⃣ Shared Genes: High, Shared Environment: Low (Biological Parents)

  2️⃣ Shared Genes: Low, Shared Environment: High (Adoptive Parents)
• What does genetic predisposition refer to in adoption studies on aggression?

  Likelihood of aggressive behavior due to genes
• A supportive adoptive environment can mitigate genetic tendencies toward aggression.
• Adoption studies focus on individuals raised apart from their biological parents.
• What role does genetic predisposition play in aggression according to adoption studies?

  Increases likelihood of aggressive behavior
• A supportive adoptive environment can mitigate genetic tendencies toward aggression.
• Match the strengths and limitations of adoption studies:

  Strengths ↔️ Clear separation of genetic and environmental influences

  Limitations ↔️ Incomplete genetic history of biological parents