How much of our genes affect our psychology?

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Taking AP psychology in my senior year was beneficial as it introduced a new question to me. I guarantee that many of us have heard this comment that our behavior is like our parents. My father keeps saying that my thought process is similar to his. Thus, the question of whether or not we inherit behaviors arises? Or is it based on the environment?
            Many scientists believe that genetics and the environment equally influence our behavior. In a classical twin study, the influence of environment and genetics was studied. It is believed that the monozygotic1 twins share more similarities with each other than dizygotic2 twins. The twins participating in the study were adopted by different families and were tested for their IQ results. The IQ test results of the monozygotic twins varied by just .04 in spite of the different environmental factors. This study, therefore, suggested the important role of genetics on behavior rather than the environment. 
            Twins that were separated immediately after birth, interestingly, demonstrated identical behaviors, even though, they were reared separately. “Many of the pairs dressed similarly or had the same haircut, or glasses” (“What”). The results suggest that genes play a huge role in behavior over the environment.
            However, the case is different for the identical twins as they have similar genetic makeup as each other. It is therefore interesting to understand what kind of behaviors we inherit. What kind of genes affects our behavior? “Personality psychologists recognize that gene effects are difficult to separate from environmental influence” (“What”). If siblings living in the same house, are born with different traits, then the environment will be a crucial factor for the determination of their personalities. It is unknown to the scientific community whether or not we inherit behavior or personality. Twin studies are a step forward for understanding this. But we have miles to go before we sleep! There is a lot of work to be done in this particular area! Let me know what you think about this issue!

Notes:
1.      Twins who arrive from a single ovum; identical


2.      Twins who arrive from two separate ova; not identical 

2.

Work Cited:
Bouchard, T. J., & McGue, M. (2002). Genetic and environmental influences on human psychological differences. Journal of Neurobiology, 54(1), 4–45. https://doi.org/10.1002/neu.10160
‌            What Behaviors Do We Inherit Via Genes? (2015). Retrieved December 1, 2019, from Psychology Today website: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-human-beast/201509/what-behaviors-do-we-inherit-genes
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