PSYCH211 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Longitudinal Study, Level Of Measurement, Molecular Genetics
23 Jan 2017
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What are some advancements in molecular genetics discussed in the article? provide an example. Genes are being identified that contribute to individual differences in cognition and to personality (e. g. , dopamine receptor 4 gene and novelty seeking). It may therefore be thought that the era of usefulness for twin and adoption studies is over. The identification of which aspects of child development are genetically influenced is an essential prior step before molecular genetic studies can be undertaken. Any evidence of shared genetic influences between different aspects of development, such as can be obtained from multivariate twin studies, can be used to guide the search for candidate genes likely to influence a specific characteristic. As genes are identified that influence children"s development, it will be of paramount importance to identify how these genes interact with environmental factors. It will therefore be possible to use adopted siblings to establish the differential impact of genes in contrasting settings.
