One study discussed in the text demonstrated that infants with a particular form of one of the genes influencing production of neurotransmitters associated with effortful attention had lower effortful attention than other infants when they also were exposed to poor parenting. What principle is demonstrated by this study?
A) Environment plays a crucial role in the expression of genes.
B) The expression of genes plays a crucial role in one's environment.
C) Some genetic influences operate regardless of environment.
D) Current research methods often do not allow researchers to separate the influences of genetics and environment.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This study demonstrates the principle that environment plays a crucial role in the expression of genes. While the infants with a particular form of the gene had lower effortful attention, it was only in conjunction with poor parenting that this effect was observed. This suggests that the gene alone did not determine the outcome, but rather the gene-environment interaction was necessary for the outcome to manifest.

One Study Discussed in the Text Demonstrated That Infants with a Particular