Cells and Surveys

What can social science, and demography in particular, reasonably expect to learn from biological information? There is increasing pressure for multipurpose household surveys to collect biological data along with the more familiar interviewer-respondent information. Given that recent technical developments have made it more feasible to collect biological information in non-clinical settings, those who fund, design, and analyze survey data need to think through the rationale and potential consequences. This is a concern that transcends national boundaries. Cells and Surveys addresses issues such as which biologic/genetic data should be collected in order to be most useful to a range of social scientists and whether amassing biological data has unintended side effects. The book also takes a look at the various ethical and legal concerns that such data collection entails.Table of ContentsFront MatterCollecting Biological Indicators in Household SurveysIntegrating Biology into Demographic Research on Health and Aging(With a Focus on the MacArthur Study of Successful Aging)Biological Material in Household Surveys: The Interface BetweenEpidemiology and GeneticsDemography in the Age of Genomics: A First Look at the ProspectsThe Value of Sibling and Other 'Relational' Data for Biodemographyand Genetic EpidemiologyOpportunities for Population-Based Research on Aging HumanSubjects: Pathology and GeneticsIndicators of Function in the Geriatric PopulationBiomarkers and Genetics of Aging MiceRelevence of Animal Models for Human PopulationsApplying Genetic Study Designs to Social and Behavioral PopulationSurveysStretching Social Surveys to Include Bioindicators: Possibilitiesfor the Health and Retirement Study, Experience from the TaiwanStudy of the ElderlyInformed Consent for the Collection of Biological Samples inHousehold SurveysEthical and Social Issues in Incorporating Genetic Research intoSurvey StudiesBiosocial Opportunities for SurveysSuggested ReadingsGlossaryIndex