Sanja Franic

Professional interests

Genetics and psychometrics: Exploring the phenotypic structure of psychological constructs

Progress in behavior genetics depends on the correct specification of the phenotypic model for the trait under study. In practice, psychological traits are identified with summed item scores on questionnaires or tests. The adequacy of this approach depends on the assumption that the phenotypic measure is homogeneous, in the sense that all genetic and environmental effects on the item responses are mediated by the same latent variable. My project identifies several alternative models for genetic and environmental influences in addition to the homogeneous phenotype. The project involves formulating and testing these models on twin data involving the Child Behavioral Checklist (CBCL), and the Conner’s Revised Parent Rating Scale. Both are important and widely used measures to assess psychopathology in children.

Publications

LIST OF ALL PUBLICATIONS

Teaching

Quantitative Methods in Genetics and Neuroscience

CV

University of Amsterdam: Research Master Psychology
University of Zagreb: Psychology

Links

Dr Dorret Boomsma

Dr Conor Dolan

Dr Denny Borsboom

The Netherlands Twin Register