Methodology for inferences concerning familial correlations: a review.

There has been considerable methodologic research over the past 15 years on inference procedures for familial correlations. This paper reviews the various methods used to estimate sibling and parent-offspring correlations in family studies published over a recent 2-year period. The advantages and disadvantages of the various methodologic approaches are discussed, and practical recommendations given. One recommendation is for more frequent use of interval estimation. Computational formulas for selected approaches are presented in the appendices.