Conclusion: Behavioural genomics and education

Abstract

This book presents a systematic review of investigations t hat provide evidence for the importance of genetics for education. This new area of research on the intersection of genetics and education — educational genomics — has already made a significant contribution to our understanding of the processes underlying individual differences in educationally relevant traits. In recent years, our view of genetic and environmental influences on child development has changed significantly, from a dichotomous view (genes versus environment) to the idea of complex processes of gene-environment interplay during development. Current research has moved towards studying the co-action between molecular genetic mechanisms and the environment, such as environmental influences on gene expression (epigenetic processes) and genetic influences on perceptions and choices of environment (gene-environment correlations).