A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

Which of the following best describes gene-environment correlation according to Van Leeuwen et al?

1. Genes solely determine health outcomes

2. Environment does not influence genetic expression

3. Parents pass on both genes and environmental influences to their children

4. Genetic traits can be completely controlled by environmental factors

The correct answer is: Parents pass on both genes and environmental influences to their children

Gene-environment correlation refers to the phenomenon where genetic predispositions can influence the type of environments that individuals are exposed to, and vice versa. According to Van Leeuwen et al, it highlights the interplay between an individual's genetic make-up and the environment they inhabit. The correct choice emphasizes that parents contribute not only genetic information to their offspring but also environmental influences, suggesting a dynamic relationship in which both genetic and environmental factors shape an individual's development and outcomes. This perspective acknowledges the complexity of how traits and behaviors emerge, emphasizing that both elements are integral in understanding human psychology and outcomes. The other options do not reflect this nuanced perspective: one implies a deterministic view of genetics that overlooks the role of environment, another dismisses the significant interaction of genetics with environmental factors, and the last suggests an unrealistic domination of environment over genetics, all of which misrepresent the concepts of gene-environment interplay as discussed in contemporary research.