The future of path analysis, segregation analysis, and combined models for genetic dissection of complex traits

Appropriate combined models are discussed for the analysis of complex traits. It is argued that combined models may be necessary for optimally extracting the information from family studies. It is further argued that, especially as we face genes with much smaller effects, our ability to find these genes will depend on how precisely and accurately we are able to model the interrelationships. We need these newer models and methods for optimally extracting the information from family data, and we also need to reorient ourselves as to how we interpret the very information extracted. It is projected that path and segregation analysis, as seen in terms of combined models, will be useful in the new millennium.