The future of path analysis, segregation analysis, and combined models forgenetic dissection of complex traits

Appropriate combined models are discussed for the analysis of complex trait s. It is argued that combined models may be necessary for optimally extract ing the information from family studies. It is further argued that, especia lly as we face genes with much smaller effects, our ability to find these g enes will depend on how precisely and accurately we are able to model the i nterrelationships. We need these newer models and methods for optimally ext racting the information from family data, and we also need to reorient ours elves as to how we interpret the very information extracted. it is projecte d that path and segregation analysis, as seen in terms of combined models, will be useful in the new millennium.