5.1.12

Gottesman (1991) - Twin Studies

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Gottesman (1991) — A Meta-Analysis of Twin Studies

Gottesman (1991) investigated the concordance rate of schizophrenia in twins.

Illustrative background for Procedure & resultsIllustrative background for Procedure & results ?? "content

Procedure & results

  • Gottesman carried out a meta-analysis of European twin studies from 1963 to 1987.
    • It was found that there was a 48% concordance rate in MZ twins and a 17% concordance rate in DZ twins.
Illustrative background for Conclusions from **Gottesman**Illustrative background for Conclusions from **Gottesman** ?? "content

Conclusions from Gottesman

  • As MZ twins share 100% genes, this would suggest that Schizophrenia has a large genetic component.
  • However, the concordance rate is not 100%, so other factors must also play a part.
Illustrative background for Evaluation of **Gottesman**Illustrative background for Evaluation of **Gottesman** ?? "content

Evaluation of Gottesman

  • Strengths
    • Lots of data from a large number of studies, so reliable.
  • Limitations
    • Twins share the same environment and MZ twins more likely to be treated the same.

Jump to other topics

1Social Influence

2Memory

3Attachment

4Psychopathology

5Approaches in Psychology

6Biopsychology

7Research Methods

8Issues & Debates in Psychology (A2 only)

9Option 1: Relationships (A2 only)

10Option 1: Gender (A2 only)

11Option 1: Cognition & Development (A2 only)

12Option 2: Schizophrenia (A2 only)

13Option 2: Eating Behaviour (A2 only)

14Option 2: Stress (A2 only)

15Option 3: Aggression (A2 only)

16Option 3: Forensic Psychology (A2 only)

17Option 3: Addiction (A2 only)

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