Methodological Advances Toward a Dynamic Developmental Behavioral Genetics: Bridging the Gap

Abstract

Over the last decade there have been substantial advances in developmental science in theory and research methods. Concurrently, remarkable advances have been made in the field of molecular genetics. We are now at the point in both disciplines where greater integration must occur for there to be further advances in understanding the role of genes and environments in human development. This article in focuses on the inherent limits of standard behavioral genetic approaches and provides an overview of new systems oriented methods which are better suited for the more relational dynamic nature of gene–environment transactions emerging from molecular genetic findings.