The Minnesota Study of Twins Reared Apart, also known as the Minnesota Twin Study, was a long-term research project conducted at the University of Minnesota between 1979 and 1999. The primary finding of the study was that genetic factors play a significant role in shaping personality traits, intelligence, and other characteristics.
The study involved identical twins who were separated at birth and raised in different environments, as well as fraternal twins and other siblings who were raised together or apart. Researchers collected data on a wide range of characteristics, including physical and mental health, personality traits, IQ scores, and social attitudes.
The study found that identical twins who were separated at birth and raised in different environments had more similarities in personality and other characteristics than fraternal twins or other siblings who were raised together. This suggests that genetic factors have a greater influence on these traits than environmental factors.
The study also found that genetics plays a significant role in determining intelligence. Identical twins who were raised apart had similar IQ scores, while fraternal twins who were raised together had more variation in their IQ scores. This supports the idea that intelligence is largely determined by genetic factors.
Overall, the Minnesota Twin Study provided strong evidence for the role of genetics in shaping human traits and characteristics. The study has had a significant impact on the fields of psychology, genetics, and behavioral science, and has helped to advance our understanding of the complex interplay between genetics and environment.