Genetic Methods

Abstract

This chapter reviews how genetic methods are relevant for developmental cognitive neuroscience. Since the brain is the most genetically complex organ in the body, there are important genetic contributions to brain development in terms of both human universals and individual differences. Methods are now available to trace the complex developmental pathway that runs from a DNA sequence in a gene to brain development to aspects of developing behavior. This chapter reviews those methods and considers the implications of results from such methods for fundamental issues in developmental cognitive neuroscience.