What does the phenomenon of "non-shared environment" refer to in studies of siblings?
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Correct answer: Unique experiences of each child (even within same family) that contribute to differences
Non-shared environment encompasses experiences unique to each individual — like friendships, accidents, personal experiences — which can explain why siblings differ despite same family background and genetics.
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More Influences: Heredity and Environment questions
- Which developmental outcomes are influenced by both heredity and environment according to recent empirical research?
- Which scenario best demonstrates gene–environment interaction in child growth?
- Why is the old debate “nature vs. nurture” considered overly simplistic by modern developmental scientists?
- Which of the following best describes “phenotypic plasticity” in the context of heredity and environment?
- Which of the following is a limitation when interpreting high heritability estimates of traits such as intelligence or height?
- How can prenatal environmental factors influence a child’s development besides heredity?