Question

question 46
which pair of individuals is most likely to have the highest similarity in their iq scores?
a - marcus and maria are identical twins who were separated at birth and raised in different families.
b - jerry and jerica are fraternal twins who were raised in the same home.
c - vondra and victoria are a mother and daughter who have lived together for all of victorias 15 years.
d - annabeth and andre are half-siblings who have the same father but different mothers. theyve lived together since they were 3 and 5 years old, respectively.

Explanation:

Analyze the genetic and environmental factors in intelligence

To determine which pair of individuals is most likely to have the highest similarity in their IQ scores, we must look at the relative contributions of genetics (nature) and environment (nurture) as studied in Psychological Testing and behavioral genetics. Identical (monozygotic) twins share \(100\%\) of their genetic material, whereas fraternal (dizygotic) twins and parent-offspring pairs share about \(50\%\) of their genes. Half-siblings share approximately \(25\%\) of their genes.

Compare the options based on genetic similarity

Numerous twin and adoption studies demonstrate that genetic similarity is the single strongest predictor of IQ correlation:

• Marcus and Maria (Identical twins raised apart): Share \(100\%\) of their genes. Studies show that identical twins raised in different families still have extremely high IQ correlations (typically around \(0.70\) to \(0.75\)).
• Jerry and Jerica (Fraternal twins raised together): Share \(50\%\) of their genes. Their IQ correlation is typically around \(0.60\).
• Vondra and Victoria (Mother and daughter raised together): Share \(50\%\) of their genes. Their IQ correlation is typically around \(0.40\) to \(0.45\).
• Annabeth and Andre (Half-siblings raised together): Share \(25\%\) of their genes. Their IQ correlation is lower than that of full siblings or fraternal twins.

Determine the pair with the highest similarity

Because identical twins share \(100\%\) of their DNA, their IQ scores remain more similar than any other group, even when they are reared in completely different environments. Therefore, Marcus and Maria are most likely to have the highest similarity in their IQ scores.

Answer:

• A - Marcus and Maria are identical twins who were separated at birth and raised in different families. (Correct answer)
• B - Jerry and Jerica are fraternal twins who were raised in the same home.
• C - Vondra and Victoria are a mother and daughter who have lived together for all of Victoria's 15 years.
• D - Annabeth and Andre are half-siblings who have the same father but different mothers. They've lived together since they were 3 and 5 years old, respectively.