Of the following, which would provide the strongest evidence for a genetic component to schizophrenia?

A) a higher concordance rate for fraternal twins than for other siblings
B) a higher concordance rate for fraternal twins than for identical twins
C) a high concordance rate among identical twins raised apart
D) a high concordance rate among the general population

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Lisa Marie Franklin · Accepted Answer

Final Answer : C, Explanation :  A high concordance rate among identical twins raised apart would provide the strongest evidence for a genetic component to schizophrenia because it suggests that genetics play a larger role than environmental factors in the development of the disorder. This is because identical twins share the same genetic material, so if they both develop schizophrenia even when raised in different environments, the genetic component must be significant. A higher concordance rate for fraternal twins than for other siblings (A) or identical twins (B) would also suggest a genetic component, but not as strongly as the evidence from identical twins raised apart. A high concordance rate among the general population (D) would not provide evidence for a genetic component specifically, as it could be influenced by a variety of factors.

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