Introduction
In the study of personality, one of the critical questions asked among scholars and researchers is on whether genes play any role(s) in defining one's personality or traits or whether they determine how an individual to behave. The question has created the concept of nature vs. nurture focusing more on whether an individual is expected to behave in a specific manner depending on his or her genes or whether experience has any role in determining such behaviors (Neale &Maes, 2002). In the nature vs. nurture concept, researchers have aligned themselves to different opinions with some arguing that the influence of genes on personality cannot be ignored. That perspective reflects more on the idea that genotypes play a central role in defining one's personality, which does not change while in a shared environment (Marley, n.d.). However, it is equally important to consider the alternate opinion suggesting that personality is influenced solely by one’s environment, thus, meaning that a shared environment may have a significant influence on one's personality. According to Cubel, Nuevo ‐ Chiquero, Sanchez ‐ Pages, & Vidal ‐ Fernandez (2016), extensive research on the topic suggests that one would accept the notion that both nature and nurture concepts define one's personality, thus, meaning that although genes define personality, experience also plays a vital role. In that view, this research paper will embark on analysis with the aim of evaluating whether personality can be inherited or whether personality is a gained trait.
Research Question
To help create a compelling research question, it is essential to create a research question focusing on the topic in question. In this case, the research question that would govern this particular research paper is:
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Are personality traits inherited?
The research question seeks to evaluate the extent to which personalities can be inherited from one generation to another. When answering the question, it would be essential to consider all key variables that would help evaluate whether personality can be influenced by one’s environment or whether individuals gain their personality from their parents.
Dependent Variable
From the research question presented, the dependent variable to consider is inherited personality, which reflects on the idea that one’s personality can be inherited from one generation to another. The dependent variable indicates more on evaluating the overall impacts associated with the inheritance of character, which is essential in determining whether personality traits are inherited or whether these traits result from experience or exposure within given environments.
Independent Variables
The first independent variable is shared environment focusing on the idea that individuals within a shared environment may help influence one's personality or traits, which would go against the notion that personality traits can be inherited. While in shared environments, individuals find themselves in primary positions to learn from others, which seeks to determine the overall levels of influence that such environments may have in determining the manner in which an individual behaves or operates. The second independent variable is a non-shared environment, basically meaning that the personality or traits that an individual would portray focus wholly on one's genes. DeNeve & Cooper (2017) argue that individuals in non-shared environments are more likely to show traits that reflect on the traits or personalities that they inherit, thus, creating the suggestion that indeed personality traits can be inherited.
Null and Alternative Hypotheses
The null hypothesis for this particular research is that although one’s environment or experience can determine his or her personality and traits, genotypes act as the primary determinants of an individual's personality and traits. Genotypes seek to define how an individual thinks, behaves, or feels while in given environments considering that he or she would be in such a position depending on his underlying genes (Tarter, 2012). In that perspective, it would be essential to consider the fact that one’s personality does not change regardless of whether one is within a shared or non-shared environment.
The alternative hypothesis reflects the idea that one's environment acts as the sole aspect of consideration in determining how an individual behaves, feels, or thinks. In this perspective, it would be essential to consider that although genotypes may determine one's personality, the extent to which these would be considered as personal depends on the environment (Reiss, 1997). While in shared environments, individuals are more likely to develop specific behaviors or traits that would, in turn, help mold their ultimate personality (Ben-Porath, Almagor, Hoffman-Chemi, &Tellegen, 1995).
Population and Sample Data
Population and sample data is one of the key aspects associated with any given research, as these two types of data help in creating equivalent analyses depending on the expectations of research. To help evaluate this research question, this research will utilize data from a given sample size (n=50 sets of twins) as part of establishing the overall impacts associated with genotypes on personality and traits. However, it is essential to take note of the fact that the results from this sample size selected may not be applied within a given population attributed to the minimized research outcomes. The selection of this sample size will occur through randomized selection as a way of increasing reliability and validity of the data collected during the research process.
Quantitative Data
The primary research method that would be utilized in a collection of quantitative data is twin study with an intention of establishing the extent to which twins would be considered as identical about their personalities. Pilia (2006) argues that twin studies have been one of the standard types of studies on matters associated with personalities and traits especially when evaluating the extent to which genotypes influence one's personality. The idea of using twins focuses more on the idea that these are individuals expected to share the same aspects or behaves depending on the perspective from which to consider the question on inherited personalities (Eysenck, 1990). In this research, the sample size selected will comprise of 50 sets of twins to help provide conclusive data to help answer the research question. In a twin study, one of the key aspects to note is that the sets of twins may be identical or fraternal, which would help in the evaluation of the data regarding the similarities occurring in personalities and traits among twins.
Research
In the research process, twin study, the focus is on the different sets of twins considering that the information collected from these twins will seek to determine the extent to which personalities can be inherited. The primary research element in the evaluation of the sample size collected was an evaluation of the differentiated personalities presented by twins, which would be categorized as monozygotic (MZ, identical) and (dizygotic, fraternal). The research process will focus on an evaluation of the extent to which the different sets of twins portray similar or differentiated personalities and traits. On the other hand, the central aspect of the research is to establish whether the similarities in personalities and traits occur in the two different types of twins or a single type of twins, as this would be of great value in answering the research question.
Discussion
After a close review of the data collected from the twin studies, one of the key aspects to note was the fact that monozygotic or identical twins, who share 100% of their genes, are twice as likely to behave in the same way (University Of Alabama, 2008). Additionally, the identical twins should higher possibilities of similar personalities and traits, which can be attributed to their similar genotypes. On the other hand, dizygotic or fraternal twins, which share approximately 50% of their genes, are less likely to behave or think in a similar manner (University Of Alabama, 2008). The behaviors, personalities, and traits among fraternal twins differed significantly, which suggested that their environments did not influence their traits and personalities. Thus, this seeks to suggest that personalities are more likely to be inherited when compared to personalities influenced by different environments.
Conclusion
The debate on personality raises the question on whether character is inherited from one generation to other, which, in turn, creates the need for further analysis to determine the overall influence of genes on personality development. To help establish the facts of the debate, this research question sought to answer the research question, Are personality traits inherited? focusing more on the question of whether personalities and traits result from genotypes or result from experience. The sample size selected for this research was 50 sets of twins comprising of both monozygotic or identical and dizygotic or fraternal twins to help undertake a twin study. The result of the twin study indicates that monozygotic or identical twins are twice as likely to behave in the same way when compared to dizygotic or fraternal twins. That leads to the conclusion that personalities are more likely to be inherited when compared to characters influenced by different environments.
References
Ben-Porath, Y. S., Almagor, M., Hoffman-Chemi, A., & Tellegen, A. (1995). A cross-cultural study of personality with the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire. Journal of Cross-Cultural Psychology, 26 , 360-373.
Cubel, M., Nuevo ‐ Chiquero, A., Sanchez ‐ Pages, S., & Vidal ‐ Fernandez, M. (2016). Do personality traits affect productivity? Evidence from the laboratory. The Economic Journal , 126 (592), 654-681.
DeNeve, K. M., & Cooper, H. (2017). The happy personality: A meta-analysis of 137 personality traits and subjective well-being. Psychological Bulletin , 124 (2), 197-212.
Eysenck, H. J. (1990). Genetic and environmental contributions to individual differences: The three major dimensions of personality. Journal of Personality, 58, 245-261.
Marley, S. The Importance and Effect of Sample Size - Select Statistical Consultants. Select Statistical Consultants . Retrieved 3 February 2018, from https://select-statistics.co.uk/blog/importance-effect-sample-size/
Neale, M., &Maes, H. (2002). Methodology for Genetic Studies of Twins and Families . Dordrecht, The Netherlands: Kluwer Academic Publishers B.V.
Pilia, G. et al. (2006). Heritability of cardiovascular and personality traits in 6,148 Sardinians. PLoS Genetics , 2 (8), 1-12.
Reiss, D. (1997). Mechanisms linking genetic and social influences in adolescent development: Beginning a collaborative search. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 6, 100-105.
Tarter, R. E. (2012). Are there inherited behavioral traits that predispose to substance abuse?. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology , 56 (2), 189-204.
The University Of Alabama. (2008, February 20). Identical Twins Not As Identical As Believed. ScienceDaily . Retrieved February 2, 2018, from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080215121214.htm
