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What is the primary aim of Van Leeuwen et al's research?

  1. To analyze the effects of parenting style

  2. To assess the heritability of intelligence in children

  3. To study the impact of environmental factors on behavior

  4. To evaluate gene therapy outcomes in twins

The correct answer is: To assess the heritability of intelligence in children

The primary aim of Van Leeuwen et al.'s research is to assess the heritability of intelligence in children. This study specifically investigates the extent to which genetic factors contribute to individual differences in intelligence, particularly among twins. By focusing on twins, the research allows for a clearer examination of the nature vs. nurture debate, emphasizing the relative contributions of heredity compared to environmental influences. The context of heritability is crucial, as understanding the genetic basis of intelligence can offer insights into the nature of cognitive abilities and inform discussions related to education, policy-making, and psychological interventions. This research typically involves measuring the intelligence of twins and analyzing how similar each twin's intelligence is in comparison to their sibling, which helps to draw conclusions about the genetic influences at play.