A Twin Study on Genetic and Environmental Contribution in Development of Intelligence

Pages: 556-558
Annu Panghal (I. C. College of Home Science, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar)
Bimla Dhanda (I. C. College of Home Science, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar)

Genes account for between approximately 60-80 % variations in intellectual abilities. Measures of intelligence were collected in 100 pairs of twins with 6-8 years age group from two districts of State Haryana, as a part of research project on intelligence. Intelligence was measured with the WISC-R, a well known intelligence test consisting of 12 sub-scales (six on verbal scale and six on the performance scale) and the home environment of twins was assessed by (HOME) Inventory by Bradley was administered (8 sub-scales). Heritability estimate is mathematical estimate to find out the contribution of genetic in the development of cognitive abilities of twins. The heritability estimates for intellectual abilities were 74 per cent and 76 per cent (6-7 years) in Hisar and Bhiwani District and 64 per cent and 60 per cent (7-8 years) in Hisar and Bhiwani district. The results clearly revealed that the genetic contribution was more in intellectual abilities were as compared to environmental circumstances.Genetic impacts seem to be the main source of power behind continuity in intellectual abilities. The monozygotic twins more related than dizygotic twins in intellectual abilities. The home environmental influences were responsible for stability as well as change in the development of intellectual abilities.