Identical Twins: Nature and Nurture
INTRODUCTION
Studies of identical twins, particularly cases involving separation at birth, have revealed
interesting results in relation to genetic influences on personality. Research at least three
articles that discuss twins in the nature versus nurture debate.
Here are a few articles to get you started in your research:

'Identical Strangers' Explore Nature Vs. Nurture
http://www.npr.org/2007/10/25/15629096/identical-strangers-explore-nature-vsnurture

Who Are We? THE NATURE AND NURTURE OF TWINS
http://brainworldmagazine.com/who-are-we/

“Prize Specimens”. MacLean’s, August 30, 2004. Identical twin and the nature-nurture
debate
http://www.macleans.ca/science/technology/article.jsp?content=20040830_87182_87182
ACTIVITY
1. Conduct an Internet search for articles on twins that have been studied in regards
to the nature versus nurture debate. Complete the table below.
Article Name and url
Evidence to support nature
2. Answer the following questions:
Evidence to support nurture
a) What areas of human development appear to be most influenced by biology?
b) What role does environment play in human development?
c) Do the identical twin studies support one or two perspectives on human development –
biology or sociology – more than the other?
3. Conclusion to the Nature versus Nurture Debate
a) Compare and contrast your findings in the isolation case with the analysis of identical
twin studies. Do the findings of these different studies support one another, or do they
offer different but valuable insights into the role of biology and social interaction in
explaining human development? Explain your answer.