Presenting behavioural genetics: Spin, ideology, and our narrative interests

Abstract

A short review is given of the Nuffield Council's report on behavioural genetics. This review is used as an entry point to a discussion of the factor's that influence the presentation of behavioural genetics in the media and in the popular scientific press. It is argued that our interest, in formulating narrative explanations of our individual lives puts pressure on publishers and editors to present behavioural genetics in a selective, misleading way. Some other influences on presentation are discussed and it is suggested that the Nuffield report is particularly useful in so far as it lacks these distorting influences.