Behavioral genetics is interesting, but it doesnt seem like we know very much about it. Is it likely that we will find a genetic component that underlies all behavior?
Your question introduces one of the most important issues that psychologists care about–nature versus nurture. This is an exciting time in the relatively young science of behavioral genetics. However, we cannot and will not conduct the kinds of studies that would give us more definitive answers about the contribution of genetics to behavior. For example, we cant break up identical twins and assign them to controlled conditions so we can get accurate measurements of how they differ. As genetic science becomes more sophisticated, we are going to be able to isolate the genetic contributions to many aspects of human functioning, but the complexity of behavior is likely to make this understanding quite elusive. 2. Can you change a personality trait that is inherited? It is possible. For example, a child born with a shy, passive temperament can learn to become more outgoing by having successful social experiences that encourage greater social risk-taking. Similarly, a cheerful, self-confide
