Molecular Investigations into Complex Behavior: Lessons from Sexual Orientation Studies

Document Type

Article

Authors

Angela M. Pattatucci, Puerto Rico Resource Center for Science and Engineering, PR-SSI, University of Puerto Rico

Abstract

A review of recent molecular genetic investigations into sexual orientation is presented and used as a model to identify unique challenges encountered in research on complex behavior. Five main themes are presented that are generally applicable to most behavioral genetics investigations: (1) A precise definition of the phenotype that, as much as possible, unambiguously differentiates the study group from the control group must be achieved; (2) environmental and social contributions to a trait may exhibit significant sex differences; (3) subsets within the study sample may reveal important information about genetic and environmental contributions to the trait that otherwise would be missed; (4) the high degree of specificity required to define a study sample severely restricts the application of results to general populations; and (5) studies attempting to replicate data must strictly parallel the original methodology if valid comparisons are to be made.

Recommended Citation

Pattatucci, Angela M. (1998) "Molecular Investigations into Complex Behavior: Lessons from Sexual Orientation Studies," Human Biology: Vol. 70: Iss. 2, Article 12.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/humbiol/vol70/iss2/12