Type of Document	Thesis
Author	Soden Hensler, Brooke
URN	etd-04292010-133405
Title	Testing the Generalist Gene Theory on a Diverse Twin Sample
Degree	Master of Science
Department	Psychology, Department of
Advisory Committee	Advisor Name Title Chris Schatschneider Committee Chair Jeanette Taylor Committee Member Richard K. Wagner Committee Member
Keywords	Twins Learning Disabilities Behavioral Genetics Reading
Date of Defense	2010-04-26
Availability	unrestricted
Abstract Historically, identification of learning disabilities (LD) has been considered specific to a particular academic domain (e.g., reading disability & math disability), however, behavioral genetic research has shown substantial genetic overlap both within and between LDs as well as between LD and normal variation in ability. Given such findings, behavioral genetic researchers (Plomin & Kovas, 2005) put forth the generalist gene theory which suggests that the genetic origins of LDs are more general than specific. The current study tested the generalizability of this theory on an ethnically and socioeconomically diverse twin sample using reading achievement data. Results were mixed with some findings supporting the theory while others were contradictory. Heritability of reading ability was stable across grades 1-3, but heritability of reading disability dropped each progressive year. Genetic overlap among reading skills ranged from almost no overlap to nearly all genetic overlap. Current results emphasize the need for replication studies before conclusions are drawn.
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