THE ROLE OF VALUES IN THE NATURE NURTURE DEBATE ABOUT PSYCHIATRIC-DISORDERS/

This paper discusses the role that values play in our estimates elf th e relative Importance of nature/nurture Factors in the etiology of psy chiatric disorders. It is argued that all parameter estimates, heritab ility estimates, variance explained, odds ratios, and relative risks, are based, at least in part, on value judgements that are made in the course of our research activities, Four aspects of causal inference wh ere values are particularly influential are discussed. gene/environmen t interactions, environmental specificity, the distinction between cau ses of variation and the causes of a factor, and the reification of ou r measures. The value component in our research is illustrated in two areas of research: life events and depression and individual factors i n violence.