Twins research?

Question

Researchers are very interested in studying identical twins that were separated at birth and raised apart. So far, the data suggest that these twins are much more alike than researchers would have predicted; they have similar personalities, mannerisms, habits, and interests. What kind of general question do you think researchers hope to answer by studying twins that have been raised apart? Why would identical twins make good subjects for this kind of research? What do the results suggest to you? What are the potential pitfalls of this research? What abuses might occur if your studies are not evaluated critically and if the results are carelessly cited in support of a particular social agenda?

Answer 1

This research is typically about gaining an insight in to the nature vs. nurture debate.  If it is all nature, you would expect them to be very much the same.  If it is all nurture, you would expect they will likely be very different.  The results suggest that there is a genetic predisposition to our personalities and the way we behave.  I don't believe there any pitfalls beyond what is true of any research, which is reaching conclusions not supported by the evidence.