Boston University Twin Project (BUTP)

The Boston University Twin Project is an NIMH-funded investigation of individual differences in child behavior.  The project focuses on activity level and related behaviors in twins. The study employs a behavioral genetic perspective, relying on a twin design to elucidate genetic and environmental factors that contribute to these traits and behaviors.  In addition, molecular genetic techniques are utilized to augment the results of behavioral investigations.

Families visit us in our laboratory in the Boston University Department of Psychology when their twins are within two weeks of their second birthday. The twins are outfitted with small motion recorders (smaller than a Hershey's miniature chocolate bar-see photos) on both wrists and ankles. The motion recorders track their activity level for the visit and the 48-hour period thereafter, and provide us with a a measure of how active the children are while carrying out their normal daily routines. Once the recorders are attached, the twins engage in a series of activities in an adjoining playroom and testing room in the lab, all of which are videotaped through our observation room. While the twins are working with the BUTP staff, parents are given a set of questionnaires and instructions on how to care for the motion recorders and how to use a cheek swab kit to obtain DNA. Many parents also enjoy the opportunity to watch their children through the observation room. After the initial visit, families leave the lab with their motion recorders, parent questionnaires, and DNA cheek swab kits. They return two days later, when the twins participate in more activities, and lastly, the motion recorders are removed. After a year, when the twins are three years of age, they return to the BUTP and engage in a similar set of activities. Families are compensated for their participation at age 2 and 3. In addition, families receive information about the zygosity of their twins (identical/fraternal) based on DNA analysis, as well as a DVD of the twin visits. If you have any questions, please call us at (617) 353-1102, or use the email links below to contact us.

Here are some of the twins who participated in the BUTP. These pictures were taken in our playroom, testing room and waiting area. If you look closely you can see the motion recorders on their arms!

Director: Kimberly J. Saudino, Ph.D., ksaudino@bu.edu

Genetic Influences of Activity Level: Do Situations Matter? 

Kimberly J. Saudino

Kimberly J. Saudino, Alice S. Carter, Diane Purper-Ouakil & Philip Gorwood

Susan K. Fenstermacher & Kimberly J. Saudino

Susan K. Fenstermacher & Kimberly J. Saudino

Jeffrey R. Gagne & Kimberly J. Saudino

Kate P. Zona, Kimberly J. Saudino, & Jeffrey R. Gagne

Sonia Chawla & Kimberly J. Saudino