Methodology for Genetic Studies of Twins and Families

Description

Few would dispute the truth of the statement `People are Different', but there is much controversy over why. This book authoritatively explains the methods used to understand human variation, and extends them far beyond the primary `nature or nurture' question. After chapters on basic statistics, biometrical genetics, matrix algebra and path analysis, there is a state-of-the-art account of how to fit genetic models using the LISREL package. The authors explain not only the assumptions of the twin method, but how to test them. The elementary model is expanded to cover sex limitation, sibling interaction, multivariate and longitudinal data, observer ratings, and twin-family studies. Throughout, the methods are illustrated by applications to diverse areas such as obesity, major depression, alcohol comsumption, delinquency, allergies, and common fears. Front Matter....Pages i-xxv The Scope of Genetic Analyses....Pages 1-33 Data Summary....Pages 35-53 Biometrical Genetics....Pages 55-70 Matrix Algebra....Pages 71-86 Path Analysis and Structural Equations....Pages 87-108 LISREL Models and Methods....Pages 109-130 Model Fitting Functions and Optimization....Pages 131-148 Univariate Analysis....Pages 149-187 Power and Sample Size....Pages 189-197 Social Interaction....Pages 199-210 Sex-limitation and G × E Interaction....Pages 211-229 Multivariate Analysis....Pages 231-259 Direction of Causation....Pages 261-287 Repeated Measures....Pages 289-304 Longitudinal Mean Trends....Pages 305-311 Observer Ratings....Pages 313-327 Assortment and Cultural Transmission....Pages 329-351 Future Directions....Pages 353-372 Back Matter....Pages 373-496