Question 6True or false: For most traits, shared environment contributes more than non-shared environment.1 pointa. trueb. false

Answer

The statement "For most traits, shared environment contributes more than non-shared environment" is generally considered false.

Explanation

1. Shared vs. Non-Shared Environment:

   • Shared Environment: Refers to environmental factors that contribute to similarities among individuals, such as family, socio-economic status, and cultural background.
   • Non-Shared Environment: Refers to individual experiences that differentiate people, such as unique friendships, personal experiences, and individual choices.

2. Research Findings:

   • Psychological and behavioral genetic research indicates that non-shared environmental factors usually play a more significant role in explaining individual differences in various traits.
   • This is particularly evident in studies of twins and siblings, where identical twins raised together might have more similarities than fraternal twins or siblings raised together, but many differences still arise from their unique experiences.

Conclusion

Therefore, based on the evidence from behavioral genetics, the correct answer to the question is b. false.