Thus, we moved two genetic factors forward in creating individual genetic factor scores for each person within the genotyped sample; (1) A general factor which loads onto measures of alcohol consumption and problems and (2) an alcohol problems factor which loads onto the Mm-MAST and the RAPI. This genetic factor score is similar to a phenotypic factor score in that it encompasses all shared variance across various measures. It differs in that it incorporates genetic information gained from twin data, therefore partitioning this shared variance into shared genetic variance across various measures. Thus, if an individual has an increased score on the specific alcohol measures that are loaded on by the latent genetic factor (e.g., Mm-MAST and RAPI), that individual will also to have an increased score on the genetic factor score (e.g., Alcohol Problems Genetic Factor, which loads onto Mm-MAST and RAPI).
