Sara A. Hart|Callie W. Little|Elsje van Bergen
Nurture might be nature: cautionary tales and proposed solutions
Florida State University|Florida State University|Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
abstract across wide range studies researchers often conclude home environment childrens outcomes causally linked contrast behavioral genetic studies show parents influence children providing environment genes meaning environment parents provide considered absence genetic influences lead erroneous conclusions causation article seeks provide behavioral scientists synopsis numerous methods estimate direct effect environment controlling potential genetic confounding ideally using genetically sensitive designs fully disentangle genetic confound require specialized samples near future researchers likely access measured dna variants summarized polygenic scores could serve partial genetic control currently option ideal widely available also propose work around genetically sensitive data readily available familial control method method one measures trait parents child parents trait used covariate eg genetic proxy options possible plead colleagues clearly mention genetic confound limitation cautious environmental causal statements could lead unnecessary parent blaming