Clues to the way we are
The past couple of decades has seen massive progress in the field of genetics and its role in individual differences and developments. Development and behavioural potential of individuals is determined by dna in the genome, but behavioural patterns may be moulded by environmental factors. Quantitative genetic methods can be used to measure how much variance can be attributed to genetic and environmental sources of variance, and to investigate into genetic and environmental influences on change and continuity in development.
Although the genetic mechanisms of some behaviour traits have proved surprisingly simple, the genetics of most behaviour patterns is complex and difficult to study at the molecular level. Nevertheless, technological advancements have made it possible to identify and isolate many genes involved in these developments. Such studies have been mostly performed on drosophila, paramecia, nematodes, mice and some other animals and insects. These experiments would provide valid insights into human development. The author believes that molecular genetics will revolutionise quantitative genetic research on complex phenomenon, of which the interface between genetics and experience may be the most complex.
He starts with what is currently meant by nature and nurture, with the goal of showing that modern theory and research on both nature and nurture are converging on the interface between them. Logically, the contribution of genetic factors to environmental measures for familial and extrafamilial environments (social environments such as friends, teachers, peers, life events, etc.) is discussed.
One obvious point emerges: genetics and environment play a vital role in behavioural traits in humans. The author mentioned that even optimism is heritable and predicts mental and physical health variables. The book is limited to individual differences. It is an update on concepts of behavioural genetics, with special reference to human behaviour.
Plomin mentions that specific genes that affect experience will be identified. Indeed, identifying such specific genes associated with measures of the environment will provide indisputable evidence of genetic effects on the latter.
The book is interesting also because of the large number of quotes from past pioneers. The review of the various literature and discussion of the many complex issues and vexing questions pertaining to genes and environment and their role in personality development has lent the tome much importance. This book would be an asset for anyone working on this or related issues, and help students get an insight into exciting developments in this area.
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