How do scientists find which genes affect which traits?

Generally, for more “mental” phenotypes (as opposed to those “on a spectrum” as you say, like hair color), we can come up with a list of genes that are correlated with the phenotype, but finding which genes affect those traits is a neuroscientist’s dream. read more

However, variations from the template can occur due to point mutations and environmental influences, so the genetics do not completely determine everything about a person, even though it sets the stage for whatever modifications eventually do occur. read more

Scientists have a strong foundation for their search for personality genes from the years of basic psychology and neuroscience studies that have explored just exactly what personality is and how personality-related behaviors might be influenced by specific neural mechanisms. read more