摘要：Researchers have identified environmental risks that predict subsequent psychological and medical problems. Based on these correlational findings, researchers have developed and tested complex developmental models and have examined biological moderating factors (e.g., gene–environment interactions). In this context, we stress the critical need for researchers to use family-based, quasi-experimental designs when trying to integrate genetic and social science research involving environmental variables because these designs rigorously examine causal inferences by testing competing hypotheses. We argue that sibling comparison, offspring of twins or siblings, in vitro fertilization designs, and other genetically informed approaches play a unique role in bridging gaps between basic biological and social science research. We use studies on maternal smoking during pregnancy to exemplify these principles. RECENT RESEARCH HAS focused on early risks, such as prenatal factors, for later cognitive, behavioral, and health outcomes. 1–7 This life course framework has been aided by recent advances in developmental theories and analyses of cascade models. 8 These approaches have been complemented by a growing interest in understanding how biological factors moderate the influence of environmental risks by studies of gene–environment interaction (G×E). 9,10 Researchers ultimately are trying to understand how genetic and biological influences, environmental risks, and behavior act and interact across development to result in psychological and physical health problems. 11,12 In this context, the present article stresses the critical advantages of using family-based, quasi-experimental research designs when integrating genetic and social science research because these approaches allow for strong tests of causal inferences regarding hypothesized risks that are critical in developmental models and G×E studies. We use recent quasi-experimental studies on maternal smoking during pregnancy (SDP) as an exemplar.
