Genetic Influences On Intelligence & Environment

1. Genetic Influences On Intelligence & Environment

2. Genetic Influences • Is it nature or nurture that makes us intelligent? • Studies show that intelligence is genetic • A predominate amount of twin studies continually prove it is genetic • Brain Scans show similar grey matter volume • Test have been done to see if there is a specific genius genes • Studies of adopted siblings have shown that there is a correlation in childhood with environment however by the time adulthood is reached Behavior geneticist conclude our genetic influences become more apparent when it comes to intellegence

3. Genetic Influences Cont. Don’t forget that genes and environment correlate Just remember our genes shape the experiences that shape who we are

4. Environmental Influences • Early Interventions • Hunts research findings testify to the importance of environment • Program of tutored human enrichment • Sandra Scarr believes that parents who are very concerned about providing special educational lessons for their babies are wasting their time • It may only benefit those kids who live in a non-stimulating environment • Schooling Effects • Head Start • Quality of the program • Evidence shows that education contributes to intelligence and can enhance future income potential • Children’s Birthdates can have an affect on intelligence scores • Did they start school early or late

5. Ethnic similarities & Differences • Racial groups differ in their average scores on intelligence tests • High-scoring people are more likely to attain a high level of education & income • Intelligence test score gaps continue to persist • Different climates and survival challenges could have led to racial differences in aptitude tests • Is it environmental • Scientist are studying that there are no races • Asian students out score N. Americans • It’s a different generation • Babies perform the same on infant tests • Cultures rise & fall over the centuries

6. Gender Similarities & Differences • Most research finds not difference but when a rare one is found it makes the news • Boys are better at math in western cultures • While girls are better at spelling in western cultures • Test scores show that girls perform just as well as boys on math test but that is not newsworthy • Some say it’s a survival skill developed through evolution • Is it social cultural reflection on what we expect from each gender Myth or Reality? What do you think?

7. The Question of Bias • Are Intelligence Test Bias? • Two Meanings • Does the test detect not only innate differences in intelligence but also differences caused by cultural experiences • Is the test valid for some group while invalid for others • Is the SAT bias? • Not biased in the statistical meaning but in order to truly predict success in college it must mirror any gender or racial bias in school teaching and testing • Stereo Type Threat • That all people see and evaluate is the negative • Expectations • Women when given a math test without men present have been found to score higher • Blacks have scored higher on aptitude test when the proctor is black instead of white • Test seem to be bias when it comes to performance caused by cultural experiences but not in statistical predictions

8. So what’s The Point • What’s the Aim • To enable schools to recognize who might best benefit from early intervention • We must remain alert to Binet’s fear that intelligence test scores may be misinterpreted as literal measures of a person’s worth and fixed potential • Intelligence test scores reflect only one aspect of personal competence • Practical intelligence & emotional intelligence matter • Talent & character make a person too