MAJOR PERSONALITY STUDY FINDS THAT TRAITS ARE MOSTLY INHERITED THE genetic makeup of a child is a stronger influence on personality than child rearing, according to the first study to examine identical twins reared in different families. The findings shatter a widespread belief among experts and laymen alike in the primacy of family influence and are sure to engender fierce debate. The findings are the first major results to emerge from a longterm project at the University of Minnesota in which, since 1979, more than 350 pairs of twins have gone through six days of extensive testing that has included analysis of blood, brain waves, intelligence and allergies. The results on personality are being reviewed for publication by the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Although there has been wide press coverage of pairs of twins reared apart who met for the first time in the course of the study, the personality results are the first significant scientific data to be announced. The 350 pairs of twins studied included some who were raised apart.
Freakonomics Radio: Could a Lottery Be the Answer to America's Poor Savings Rate? - NYTimes.com Stephen J. DUBNER: There’s something Peter Tufano wants to know about you: If you had to, could you come up with $2,000 in 30 days? That’s the question he asked a whole bunch of people in 13 countries, including the U.S. Peter TUFANO: Why $2,000? Cause an auto transmission is about $1,500. DUBNER: Tufano is all about the motivation. ANNOUNCER: From American Public Media and WNYC, this is Freakonomics Radio. DUBNER: Americans are generally terrible at saving money. We are, however, excellent at spending money. The other day, I went to a store in Penn Station in New York called Carlton Cards. Kirit PRAJAPADI: It’s about $8 to $9 million a year. DUBNER: Holy crap! PRAJAPADI: Yes. DUBNER: OK, you see people buying tickets all day. PRAJAPADI: When they win, they forget about all their losses. DUBNER: They give you a hug? PRAJAPADI: Not really. DUBNER: You probably don’t want the hug or the kiss. PRAJAPADI: No, not really. DUBNER: This is Melissa Kearny. KEARNEY: Yes, by far. KEIP: Yes.