Three Identical Strangers Worksheet Answer Key Revealed

Exploring the Fascinating Story of Triplets Separated at Birth

The documentary “Three Identical Strangers” tells the astonishing story of triplets Bobby Shafran, Eddy Galland, and David Kellman, who were separated at birth and reunited by chance years later. The film raises questions about the nature of identity, the impact of nurture versus nature, and the ethics of psychological experimentation. As we delve into the story of these triplets, we’ll explore the complexities of their experiences and the lessons that can be learned from their journey.

The Separation and Reunion

The triplets were born in 1961 to a young, unmarried woman who gave them up for adoption. They were placed with different families through the Louise Wise Services adoption agency, which claimed that the children were not part of a set of multiples. However, the agency had, in fact, deliberately separated the triplets as part of a psychological study designed to investigate the impact of nurture versus nature on development.

Bobby Shafran, Eddy Galland, and David Kellman grew up in different parts of New York, unaware that they had identical twin brothers. It wasn’t until 1980, when Bobby stumbled upon Eddy at a community college, that the brothers first met. The discovery of their triplet status was met with both excitement and unease, as they struggled to understand why they had been separated and kept in the dark about their true relationships.

The Investigation

As the triplets began to reconnect, they also started to investigate the circumstances surrounding their adoption and separation. They discovered that they had been part of a study led by psychologist Peter Neubauer, who had been interested in exploring the effects of different environments on identical triplets. The study, which was funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, involved placing the triplets with families of varying socioeconomic backgrounds and monitoring their development over the years.

The triplets were shocked and outraged to learn that their lives had been manipulated for the sake of scientific research. They felt that their separation had caused them lasting emotional harm and that they had been deprived of the opportunity to grow up together as brothers.

Notes on the Documentary

🔍 Note: The documentary "Three Identical Strangers" is based on a true story and features interviews with the triplets themselves, as well as with experts and individuals involved in the study. The film raises important questions about the ethics of psychological experimentation and the rights of individuals who participate in such studies.

Lessons Learned

The story of the triplets highlights several key lessons:

• Identity is complex: The triplets’ experiences demonstrate that identity is shaped by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
• Nurture matters: The study’s findings suggest that nurture plays a significant role in shaping who we become, but the triplets’ stories also underscore the importance of acknowledging and respecting individual differences.
• Ethics in research: The documentary raises important questions about the ethics of psychological experimentation and the need for transparency and informed consent in research studies.

Table: Comparing the Triplet's Lives

Conclusion

The story of the triplets is a fascinating and thought-provoking exploration of identity, nurture, and the complexities of human development. While the documentary raises important questions about the ethics of psychological experimentation, it also serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging and respecting individual differences. As we reflect on the triplets’ journey, we are reminded that identity is a complex and multifaceted construct that cannot be reduced to simple explanations or definitions.

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