6.1.17

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

4(2026 Exams) Psychopathology

5(2027 Exams) Clinical Psychology & Mental Health

6Approaches in Psychology

7Biopsychology

8Research Methods

8.1Research Methods

8.2Scientific Processes

8.3Data Handling & Analysis

8.4Inferential Testing

9Issues & Debates in Psychology (A2 only)

10Option 1: Relationships (A2 only)

10.1Relationships: Sexual Relationships (A2 only)

10.2Relationships: Romantic Relationships (A2 only)

10.3(2026 Exams) Relationships: Virtual (A2 only)

10.4(2027 Exams) Relationships: Online (A2 only)

11Option 1: Gender (A2 only)

12Option 1: Cognition & Development (A2 only)

13Option 2: Schizophrenia (A2 only)

14Option 2: Eating Behaviour (A2 only)

15Option 2: Stress (A2 only)

16Option 3: Aggression (A2 only)

17Option 3: Forensic Psychology (A2 only)

18Option 3: Addiction (A2 only)

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