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Race and genetics: controversies in biomedical, behavioral, and forensic sciences
1Department of Medical History and Bioethics, University of Wisconsin--Madison, Madison, WI 53706-1399, USA. pnossorio@wisc.edu
The American Psychologist
|January 12, 2005
Summary
Biomedical scientists debate using racial variables in research. This article advocates for developing standards on when and how to use race, particularly in criminology, to avoid bias in genetic studies.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical research
- Genetics
- Criminology
Background:
- Controversy exists among biomedical scientists regarding the definition of race and its use in research.
- Current debates often present a binary choice: use racial variables always or never.
Purpose of the Study:
- To advocate for nuanced standards in the application of racial variables in scientific research.
- To highlight the specific challenges and potential biases when using racial variables in behavioral genetics within criminology.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and critical analysis of the use of racial variables in scientific research.
- Discussion of case studies, focusing on the implications within criminology and behavioral genetics.
Main Results:
- The article argues against a binary approach to using racial variables.
- It identifies significant risks of confounding biases in genetic studies of criminalized behavior when utilizing forensic data.
Conclusions:
- Developing clear standards for the appropriate use of racial variables is crucial.
- The integration of racial variables in genetic research, especially in criminology, requires careful consideration of systemic biases inherent in data sources like forensic DNA databases.
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