Which type of study involves comparing adopted children with their biological and adoptive families?

Adoption studies are specifically designed to examine the influence of genetics and environment on behavior and development by comparing adopted children with both their biological and adoptive families. This type of study allows researchers to disentangle the influences of heredity and environment since adopted children share genetic characteristics with their biological families but are raised in a different environment with their adoptive families. By assessing similarities and differences in traits, behaviors, and psychological outcomes between these groups, researchers can gain valuable insights into the roles played by nature and nurture in shaping individual outcomes.

In contrast, family studies generally focus on the prevalence of traits or disorders within families to investigate genetic contributions but do not differentiate between biological and adoptive influences. Twin studies examine genetic similarities between identical and fraternal twins, which provides insights into heritability, but they do not involve adoptive scenarios. Longitudinal studies track the same individuals over time to observe changes and developments, but they do not specifically compare adopted children with biological and adoptive families as adoption studies do. Thus, the unique comparison made in adoption studies is what makes it the correct choice.