Research Review: A guide to computing and implementing polygenic scores in developmental research

Area of Science:

• Developmental Psychology
• Psychiatry
• Genetics
• Quantitative Psychology

Background:

• Longitudinal studies generate rich genotype data for developmental research.
• Polygenic scores (PGS) are increasingly used to investigate developmental trajectories.
• Understanding PGS generation and application is crucial for child psychology and psychiatry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of generating and implementing polygenic scores (PGS) in developmental psycho(patho)logy.
• To focus on the application of PGS within longitudinal research designs.
• To offer practical guidance and resources for researchers.

Main Methods:

• Formal definition of polygenic scores (PGS) and related concepts, including assumptions and limitations.
• Overview of methods for computing PGS, from classic to advanced approaches.
• Discussion of practical applications of PGS in longitudinal data analysis.

Main Results:

• The paper details the theoretical underpinnings and practical methodologies for PGS computation.
• It highlights the utility of PGS in examining developmental outcomes in longitudinal datasets.
• Recommendations and resources for researchers are provided.

Conclusions:

• PGS are valuable tools for exploring developmental questions in psychology and psychiatry.
• Longitudinal designs enhance the power of PGS to track developmental trajectories.
• This work serves as a foundational guide for utilizing PGS in developmental research.