Given That the Heritability of Empathy Was Found to Be

question 39

Multiple Choice

Given that the heritability of empathy was found to be high (in one study, .72) , which interpretation of these findings is MOST appropriate with regard to the question of whether people are basically selfish?

• A) Empathy is inherited, and environmental influences contribute only approximately 28% to helping.
• B) Empathy is largely genetically determined and not subject to learning and other environmental influences.
• C) Altruism and empathy are largely inherited and cause people to help more if they have the genes for these traits.
• D) There is a genetic influence of empathy on individual differences measured in the population related to helping behavior.

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Definitions:

Lightest Fraction

In petrochemistry, refers to the fraction of a crude oil that contains the lightest, most volatile components, such as gases and small hydrocarbons.

Volatile Components

Substances that can easily vaporize at room temperature or under mild heating, often contributing to the aroma of foods or products.

Gas Chromatography

An analytical method used to separate and analyze compounds that can be vaporized without decomposition, often used in chemistry for identifying substances within a test sample.

Flooring Planks

Long, thin boards used as a fundamental component in flooring systems, traditionally made of wood but now also available in various materials like vinyl or laminate.