The genetic architecture of economic and political preferences

• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1120666109
• Publication Date: 2012-05-08T07:17:40Z
• Authors: Daniel J. Benjamin; David Cesarini; Matthijs J. H. M....; Christopher T. Dawes; Philipp D. Koelli...; Patrik K. E. Magn...; Christopher F. Ch...; Dalton Conley; David Laibson; Magnus Johannesson; Peter M. Visscher
• Keywords: Genetic architecture; Genome-wide Association Study; Missing heritability problem; Genetic Association; SNP; Explanatory power; Variation (astronomy)

Preferences are fundamental building blocks in all models of economic and political behavior. We study a new sample comprehensively genotyped subjects with data on preferences educational attainment. use dense single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) to estimate the proportion variation these traits explained by common SNPs conduct genome-wide association (GWAS) prediction analyses. The pattern results is consistent findings for other complex traits. First, estimated fraction phenotypic that could, principle, be SNP arrays around one-half narrow heritability using twin family samples. molecular-genetic–based estimates, therefore, partially corroborate evidence significant from behavior genetic studies. Second, our analyses suggest have polygenic architecture, heritable many genes small effects. Our most published studies dramatically underpowered, which implies high false discovery rate. These convey cautionary message whether, how, how soon molecular can contribute to, potentially transform, research social science. propose some constructive responses inferential challenges posed explanatory power individual SNPs.