Gottman’s conceptualization of heredity-environment interactions is called range of reaction. The notion is that genetics sets upper and lower limits on environmental influences (e.g., nutrition, learning, accidents, illness, environmental toxins, schooling, and social class). One way to help you grasp this concept is to generate examples of how multiple phenotypes are possible from one genotype in the areas of physical, cognitive, and social development, (e.g., two tall parents pass on genes for tall height to their children). But, is it possible that the height or genotype of the offspring could be influenced by environmental factors (e.g., poor nutrition, adequate nutrition, excellent nutrition)?
Question #1
What traits do you think are very heavily influenced by heredity?
Question #2
What traits do you think have very little genetic influence.
Question #3
Think about what genetics might direct in phenotype expression (i.e., two tall parents pass on genes for tall height to their children). Now consider what could happen if we placed that genotype in a variety of environments (e.g., poor nutrition, adequate nutrition, excellent nutrition, enriching cognitive and socioeconomic). What might be some of the multiple outcomes?
Question #4
Consider your parents, siblings, grandparents, great grandparents, aunts/uncles, and cousins in terms of physical characteristics, behavioral characteristics, and psychological characteristics. What overlap do you see between yourself and these individuals and among these individuals?
Sample Solution