Chapter 9.5, Problem 1SQ-P360

Summary Introduction

Correct answer:

The correct answer in this case is option (A), Quite heritable.

Explanation of Solution

Reason for the correct statement:

Research on the heritability of well-being has shown that genetic differences can explain a significant proportion of well-being differences among people. Estimates for the heritability of happiness range from 50 to 80 percent. Bear in mind that heritability is a statistic describing characteristics of a group, for heritability estimates can vary across groups and over time, and experience can influence even highly heritable traits.

Reasons for the incorrect statements:

Option (B) refers to variance in well-being as being surprisingly unpredictable. However, research on the heritability has actually found that genetic differences can explain a significant proportion of well-being among people, with estimates ranging from 50 to 80 percent. So, option (B) is incorrect.

Option (C) refers to variance in well-being as being extreme. However, heritability estimates for well-being actually range from 50 to 80 percent. While significant, it is not extreme. So, option (C) is incorrect.

Option (D) refers to variance in well-being as being dependent on the cultural context. While experience can influence even highly heritable traits, research has actually shown that genetic differences can explain a significant proportion of well-being differences among people. So, option (D) is incorrect.

Therefore, the options (B), (C), and (D) are incorrect.