Kin Selection Theory Study - Simmons et al. 1977 (Kin and the likelihood of Kidney Donation

Procedure

133 participants composed of siblings and parents (because we share (on avg.) 50% of genes with parents and 50 % of genes with siblings) Group 1: Donors; sample of kidney donors in the University of Minnesota Clinic at the time (three year period) Group 2: Relatives of Kidney Recipients. Researchers asked potential kidney recipients to rate their emotional proximity (closeness) to all possible donors prior to donation (experimentation/questioning). They then filled out a written questionnaire in which the parents and siblings were asked if they would donate a kidney to their family, child, or sibling.

Results

86% of parents responded yes 47% of siblings responded with yes It was found that when siblings were donors, the recipient and donor were significantly closer in age and more likely to be of the same sex than non-donors were. 63% felt emotionally close w the possible donors. 42% felt close with the potential non-donors.

Significance

Shows how willing family members are to help out relatives Shows preference of family over others (friends/strangers)

Aim

to investigate whether close relatives were more likely to be kidney donors (if they are more willing to donate when they are closer to the recipient (relatives).