Methodology for Genetic Studies of Twins and Families [Paperback]

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.
1 The Scope of Genetic Analyses.- 2 Data Summary.- 3 Biometrical Genetics.- 4 Matrix Algebra.- 5 Path Analysis and Structural Equations.- 6 LISREL Models and Methods.- 7 Model Fitting Functions and Optimization.- 8 Univariate Analysis.- 9 Power and Sample Size.- 10 Social Interaction.- 11 Sex-limitation and G ? E Interaction.- 12 Multivariate Analysis.- 13 Direction of Causation.- 14 Repeated Measures.- 15 Longitudinal Mean Trends.- 16 Observer Ratings.- 17 Assortment and Cultural Transmission.- 18 Future Directions.- Appendices.- A List of Participants.- B The Greek Alphabet.- C LISREL Scripts for Univariate Models.- C.1 Path Coefficients Model.- C.2 Variance Components Model.- C.3 Model for Means and Covariances.- C.4 Univariate Genetic Model for Twin pairs and Singles.- C.5 Age-correction Model.- D LISREL Script for Power Calculation.- D.1 ACE Model for Power Calculations.- E LISREL Scripts for Multivariate Models.- E.1 Genetic Factor Model.- E.2 Genetic Factor Model Using z Variables.- E.3 Bivariate Genetic Factor Model.- E.4 Genetic Cholesky Model.- E.5 IndepenlC+