What is one limitation of traditional association studies?

Traditional association studies, particularly in genetics, are designed to identify correlations between genetic variants and phenotypic traits. One notable limitation of these studies is that they may overlook genetic variations that have large effects on phenotypes. This can occur because traditional association studies often focus on common variants, which tend to have smaller effect sizes, and may not capture rare but impactful genetic mutations. Consequently, significant genetic influences on traits or diseases might be missed if these rare variants carry substantial effects.

In the context of the other options, the idea that traditional association studies cannot be used for any genetic analysis is incorrect, as these studies are indeed a fundamental method in genetic research. The statement suggesting that association studies are only applicable to environmental studies is also misleading, as they are primarily concerned with genetic factors rather than environmental ones. Lastly, the requirement of only using animal models is inaccurate since traditional association studies can be conducted in human populations as well. Therefore, the comprehension of the limitations emphasizes the need for complementary research methodologies that can capture a broader spectrum of genetic variation.