Concept of Reaction Range

Reaction Range (LIST)
According to the Reaction Range concept, the genetically determined behavior of an individual is influenced by the existing environment. In addition, the environment can influence an individuals behavior depending on a persons genetic predispositions (DEFINE).

If two people with different genetic makeup are put into the same environment, one will respond differently from the other, or otherwise, they may also respond similar when put into different environments. The concept of Reaction Range also means that two people with same genetic predispositions will respond differently when put into different environments (DESCRIBE).

For example, Samantha is born with a normal genetic level for music ability, while Victoria has a higher than normal genetic level. If they will be enrolled by their parents in the same music class, Victoria will most likely excel than Samantha. However, they will be put in different environments aside from the music class, their reactions might be similar. Victoria, for instance, is enrolled at an arts class, while Samantha took up swimming lessons, both of them may respond similar, since they have no genetic predispositions for environments in arts and swimming.

On the other hand, if both Samantha and Victoria are born with average genetic level for music ability, both of them will have different reactions in different environments. If Samantha grows up in a musically deprived environment, her musical abilities will become lower than average, and if Victoria grows up in a highly-enriched musical environment, chances are, she will develop above normal musical abilities (EXAMPLE).