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 Contents


Front Matter
Collecting Biological Indicators in Household Surveys
Integrating 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 Between Epidemiology and Genetics
Demography in the Age of Genomics: A First Look at the Prospects
The Value of Sibling and Other 'Relational' Data for Biodemography and Genetic Epidemiology
Opportunities for Population-Based Research on Aging Human Subjects: Pathology and Genetics
Indicators of Function in the Geriatric Population
Biomarkers and Genetics of Aging Mice
Relevence of Animal Models for Human Populations
Applying Genetic Study Designs to Social and Behavioral Population Surveys
Stretching Social Surveys to Include Bioindicators: Possibilities for the Health and Retirement Study, Experience from the Taiwan Study of the Elderly
Informed Consent for the Collection of Biological Samples in Household Surveys
Ethical and Social Issues in Incorporating Genetic Research into Survey Studies
Biosocial Opportunities for Surveys
Suggested Readings
Glossary
Index