Three Identical Strangers Worksheet Answers

Unraveling the Mystery: Three Identical Strangers Worksheet Answers and Deeper Exploration

The documentary "Three Identical Strangers" captivated audiences worldwide, raising profound ethical questions about human nature, scientific experimentation, and the impact of identical twins separated at birth. This article serves as a comprehensive guide, delving beyond the surface-level answers often found in simple worksheets, to explore the complexities of the story and its lasting implications. We will examine the key events, analyze the ethical dilemmas, and consider the broader societal implications of the study. This in-depth exploration will go beyond a simple "worksheet answer" approach, providing a richer understanding of this fascinating and unsettling true story.

Introduction: The Astonishing Discovery

The story begins with an astonishing coincidence: three identical triplet brothers, Eddy Galland, David Kellman, and Bobby Shafran, discovering each other by chance at the age of 19. Separated at birth and raised in different families, their uncanny resemblance immediately sparked curiosity and launched a media frenzy. This initial discovery is typically the starting point for many "Three Identical Strangers" worksheets, focusing on the initial reactions and the immediate impact of this reunion. However, the true depth of the story lies far beyond this initial encounter.

Worksheet Questions and In-Depth Answers:

Many worksheets accompanying the documentary focus on basic factual recall, but let's move beyond simple answers and delve into the nuanced details that make this story so compelling. Here are some common worksheet questions and their comprehensive answers:

• Question: Describe the circumstances under which the three brothers discovered each other.

• Answer: Bobby Shafran and Eddy Galland initially met at Sullivan County Community College. Their striking resemblance immediately drew attention, leading to their mutual discovery and the eventual identification of David Kellman as their identical triplet brother. This serendipitous encounter, often highlighted in worksheets, only begins to scratch the surface of the larger ethical and societal issues raised by the film. The ease with which they connected, despite their vastly different upbringings, emphasizes the power of genetics and shared experiences.

• Question: How were the triplets separated at birth?

• Answer: This is where the story takes a darker turn. The triplets were part of a secret adoption study conducted by Louise Wise Services, a prominent adoption agency in New York City. The exact nature of the study, and the reasons for separating the triplets, remained shrouded in secrecy for years, even after their reunion. Worksheets often mention the agency's involvement, but rarely fully unpack the ethical implications of this clandestine operation. The film highlights the profound lack of informed consent from the families involved and the long-term impact of this violation of privacy.

• Question: What were some of the similarities and differences in the triplets' upbringings?

• Answer: Despite being raised in separate families, the triplets exhibited striking similarities in personality, interests, and even some physical mannerisms. This highlighted the significant role of genetics in shaping an individual's personality and behavior. However, significant differences also existed due to environmental factors. Their differing socioeconomic backgrounds and family dynamics resulted in variations in their educational achievements, social skills, and overall life trajectories. Worksheets often only touch upon superficial similarities, neglecting the crucial differences that underscore the complex interplay between nature and nurture.

• Question: Discuss the ethical implications of the study conducted by Louise Wise Services.

• Answer: This is the most crucial and complex aspect of the story. The secret adoption study conducted by Louise Wise Services raises serious ethical concerns. The lack of informed consent from the birth parents, and the potential long-term psychological impact on the triplets, constitutes a major breach of ethical conduct. The study deliberately separated identical triplets to study the effects of nature vs. nurture, but the methodology was deeply flawed and ethically questionable. Worksheets often touch on the ethics lightly, but a deeper understanding requires analyzing the motivations of the researchers, the lack of oversight, and the lasting consequences on the lives of the subjects. The pursuit of scientific knowledge should never come at the expense of human dignity and well-being.

• Question: What were the long-term effects of the separation on the triplets?

• Answer: The long-term effects on the triplets were multifaceted and complex. While their reunion brought immense joy and a sense of belonging, it also unearthed unresolved emotional traumas and highlighted the deep psychological scars of separation. The lack of parental support and the confusing circumstances of their upbringing contributed to various personal struggles, including mental health issues. This aspect is often understated in worksheets. Understanding the long-term implications demands examining the individual struggles of each brother, acknowledging the complexities of their journeys, and recognizing the pervasive impact of unethical research.

Beyond the Worksheet: A Deeper Dive into the Ethical and Social Implications

The "Three Identical Strangers" story transcends a simple factual account. It raises profound ethical questions about:

• Informed Consent: The lack of informed consent from both the birth parents and the triplets themselves is a central ethical flaw in the study. Researchers have a responsibility to obtain informed consent from all participants before engaging in any research, particularly research that may have long-term psychological implications.

• The Nature vs. Nurture Debate: The study aimed to explore the nature versus nurture debate, but its methodology was deeply flawed. While the triplets shared a significant genetic overlap, the environmental factors varied greatly, making it difficult to isolate the effects of genetics alone.

• Scientific Responsibility: The researchers' actions highlight the importance of ethical guidelines in scientific research. The pursuit of knowledge should never come at the expense of human well-being, and researchers must prioritize the ethical treatment of participants above all else.

• Adoption Practices: The story also sheds light on the sometimes opaque and ethically questionable practices within the adoption system. The secrecy surrounding the adoption process and the lack of transparency surrounding the study raise significant concerns about the vulnerability of individuals involved in adoption.

• Long-Term Psychological Impact: The emotional trauma experienced by the triplets due to the separation underscores the importance of family and the long-term impact of childhood trauma. The story highlights the need for supportive family structures and access to mental health services for individuals who have experienced trauma.

Conclusion: A Legacy of Questions and Reflection

The story of the three identical strangers is not just a captivating tale of coincidence; it's a cautionary tale about the ethical responsibilities of researchers and the potential consequences of manipulating human lives in the name of scientific advancement. While worksheets provide a basic framework for understanding the events, a true appreciation of this story requires a deeper engagement with the ethical dilemmas it presents. The lasting legacy of "Three Identical Strangers" lies not only in the incredible story of the reunited triplets but also in the urgent need for ongoing reflection on ethical research practices and the unwavering importance of respecting human dignity. The film’s impact goes far beyond simple worksheet answers, prompting us to question the limits of scientific inquiry and the imperative to prioritize human well-being in all research endeavors. The answers aren’t simply facts to be memorized; they are the foundation for a critical conversation about ethics, science, and the profound impact of our choices on individual lives and society as a whole.