A Researcher Using the Twin-Study Method Finds an Average Correlation

question 61

Multiple Choice

A researcher using the twin-study method finds an average correlation of .50 between monozygotic twins' scores on a measure of self-esteem. The researcher finds an average correlation of .30 between dizygotic twins' scores on this measure. The difference between the size of the correlations is statistically significant. What conclusion might the researcher draw from these results?

• A) Genetics has more of an influence on self-esteem than environment has.
• B) There is evidence for a genetic influence on self-esteem.
• C) There is no evidence for a genetic influence on self-esteem.
• D) The results are opposite of what would be expected if there were a genetic influence on self-esteem.

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Definitions:

Behavioral Economics

The study of how psychological, social, cognitive, and emotional factors affect economic decisions and the implications for market prices, returns, and resource allocation.

Retail Stores

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Behavioral Economist

An economist who studies the effects of psychological, cognitive, emotional, cultural, and social factors on the economic decisions of individuals and institutions.

Individual Decision Making

The process by which an individual selects among alternative choices based on preferences, resources, and information.