Polygenic Indices (a.k.a. Polygenic Scores) in Social Science: A Guide for Interpretation and Evaluation

Area of Science:

• Social Science
• Genetics
• Biostatistics

Background:

• Polygenic indices (PGI) are increasingly used in social science to link genetic data with social outcomes.
• Most social scientists lack the specialized expertise to interpret and evaluate these genetic summary scales.
• The trend of incorporating PGIs into social science research is expected to grow.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a foundational understanding of PGIs for social scientists.
• To outline key statistical genetic concepts relevant to PGI application.
• To establish best practices for PGI calculation, reporting, and interpretation.

Main Methods:

• The study offers a primer on polygenic indices (PGI).
• It focuses on statistical genetic considerations and best practices.
• A checklist is provided for evaluating and interpreting studies using PGIs.

Main Results:

• The primer covers essential concepts for understanding PGIs.
• It details best practices for the calculation, estimation, reporting, and interpretation of PGIs.
• A checklist is offered to assist social scientists.

Conclusions:

• PGIs offer a novel way to explore genetic influences on social behaviors and traits.
• Understanding PGI methodology is crucial for accurate interpretation in social science.
• This guide aims to bridge the expertise gap for social scientists using PGIs.