There are a number of conceptual and statistical “checks” that should be conducted as part of cGxE studies. At the outset, this involves using a theory-driven approach to select environments and empirical data to select relevant genes/genetic variants. Family researchers are in a unique position to contribute to studies of GxE by using theory-driven approaches to develop hypotheses. This theory-driven approach may help identify novel environments as well as processes through which GxE effects are mediated (an approach illustrated by Schlomer et al.). Studies of latent GxE can also be used to develop hypotheses for cGxE studies. In twin studies, latent GxE is inferred by comparing monozygotic and dizygotic twin pair correlations across different levels of the environment. Studies of adolescent twin samples have found that latent genetic influences for behavioral outcomes are more pronounced in riskier environments, such as those characterized by high levels of peer deviance or low levels of parental monitoring (Button et al., 2007; Dick, Viken, et al., 2007; Hicks, South, DiRago, Iacono, & McGue, 2009). By design, studies of latent GxE examine how environmental factors
