There is a big difference between stories about twins and
studies of twins. The Shapiro brothers’ story is fascinating and
suggestive; it may be excellent material for television programs
and magazine coverage. But by itself it is not particularly
informative. Career similarity between twins could be a result
of coincidence, genetic likeness, similar family influences, or a
combination of any of these factors. A scholarly study may not
be as sensational, but it must be more systematic; it must analyze
a relatively large number of both identical and fraternal
twin pairs. In particular, it must avoid emphasizing for dramatic
effect only identical twins with similar traits and fraternal twins
with dissimilar ones.