RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Presenting behavioural genetics: spin, ideology, and our narrative interests
JF Journal of Medical Ethics
JO J Med Ethics
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and Institute of Medical Ethics
SP 601
OP 604
DO 10.1136/jme.2003.002196
VO 30
IS 6
A1 N C Manson
YR 2004
UL http://jme.bmj.com/content/30/6/601.abstract
AB 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 factors 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.