Neurogenetics and Behavior (original) (raw)

Elsevier eBooks, 2001

Abstract

‘Neurogenetics’ refers to the study of the development and/or function of the nervous system using identifiable gene variants. The nervous system is where evolution, development, and individual experience combine to produce behaviors at the level of a whole organism. Thus, neurogenetics includes the study of the behavioral consequences of gene variants that affect nervous system development and/or function. Three major approaches to neurogenetic studies (medical, developmental, and behavioral) are characterized. Methods for quantifying behavior in a biological context are introduced (measuring motoric behaviors directly versus studying behaviors that must be indirectly assessed via inferential linkages; assessing behaviors within individuals as versus within groups of individuals), and the ways that behavioral quantification methods constrain biological studies are indicated. The dominant designs used in current neurogenetic research are described (correlative and manipulative), and their limitations are briefly considered. Promising future directions in neurogenetic research are identified, together with a discussion of the new kinds of information they are likely to yield.

Evan Balaban hasn't uploaded this paper.

Let Evan know you want this paper to be uploaded.

Ask for this paper to be uploaded.