A bivariate path analysis of fear data on twins and their parents

A simple path model applicable to twins and their parents and involving both cultural and genetic transmission in the presence of phenotypic assortative mating was extended to cover the bivariate case. The model allows for cross assortative mating as well as cross cultural transmission. It was applied to two correlated measures derived from a fear survey questionnaire given to 1000 subjects. In allowing for the impact of more than one variable, the model allows for a much more realistic picture of cultural transmission than provided by the univariate model. The logic of the model and an application are outlined. (The authors are indebted to Professor R.J. Rose for providing the illustrative data.)