RESEARCH METHODS - twin studies

Question 1

what are the strength of twin studies?

Answer 1

• mz twins share 100% of their dna = data would be the same + participant variables are controlled = validity
• reliable - large amounts of secondary data is produced = objective qualitative data

Question 2

what are the weaknesses of twin studies?

Answer 2

• concordance rates are never 100% when comparing mz twins = environmental influence may be a 3rd factor
• hard to separate genes and the environment, as there will always environmental influence = confounding variable
• mz and dz are more likely to be treated the same = data isn’t useful for investigating a specific twin type

Question 3

what are the strengths of SEPARATAED twin studies?

Answer 3

• deals with environmental issues
• nature vs nature argument can be
  measured

Question 4

what is the weakness of SEPARATED twin studies?

Answer 4

the likelihood of finding separated twins is small, so we can assume genetic plays a part