Linkage analysis is a genetic research method used to identify the location of genes associated with specific traits or diseases. By studying families with a history of a particular condition, researchers can track how traits are inherited and determine which regions of the genome are linked to the condition. This helps in understanding the genetic basis of diseases. In linkage analysis, scientists often use markers, such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), to map the inheritance patterns. By comparing the genetic information of affected and unaffected family members, researchers can pinpoint areas of the genome that may contain disease-related genes, aiding in the development of targeted therapies.