Dr. Erickson is a ________ theorist who is conducting a study comparing identical twins with fraternal twins. He is most likely researching the possibility that ________ factors may play a role in developing criminal behavior.

Dr. Erickson is a ________ theorist who is conducting a study comparing identical twins with fraternal twins. He is most likely researching the possibility that ________ factors may play a role in developing criminal behavior.

• A. Psychological; Cognitive
• B. Forensic; Legal
• C. Biological; Genetic
• D. Sociological; Cultural

Answer: (C)

Twin studies are a classic way to gauge genetic influence on behavior. Identical twins share nearly all their genes, while fraternal twins share about half. If criminal behavior has a substantial genetic component, identical twins should show greater similarity in that behavior than fraternal twins. A researcher described as a biological theorist aiming to uncover genetic contributions is doing exactly that. The other orientations fit different angles: a psychological approach would emphasize mental processes like cognition, a forensic focus centers on applying psychology to legal issues, and a sociological/cultural lens would stress social environment rather than genetics.

Twin studies are a classic way to gauge genetic influence on behavior. Identical twins share nearly all their genes, while fraternal twins share about half. If criminal behavior has a substantial genetic component, identical twins should show greater similarity in that behavior than fraternal twins. A researcher described as a biological theorist aiming to uncover genetic contributions is doing exactly that. The other orientations fit different angles: a psychological approach would emphasize mental processes like cognition, a forensic focus centers on applying psychology to legal issues, and a sociological/cultural lens would stress social environment rather than genetics.