Intelligence pt 4 predictors

Question 1

How can heritability of intelligence be studied?

Answer 1

Twin and adoption studies
Estimates range from about 40-80% heritability
Evidence does suggest that genes and environment interact

Question 2

What environmental factors might influence intelligence?

Answer 2

Biological factors, family environment, education, culture

Question 3

What controversies have there been in differences in people’s intelligence?

Answer 3

Race studies - Hernstein & Murray 1994 the Bell Curve
Sex differences - men tend to score higher in IQ tests, women sometimes have better EI and verbal reasoning

Question 4

What possible explanations are there for sex differences in intelligence?

Answer 4

Biological eg. brain size, evolution, testosterone levels, brain functioning
Or environmental eg. stereotypes, self-fulfilling prophecies, stereotype threat

Question 5

What were the main criticisms of the Bell Curve (Hernstein & Murray, 1994)?

Answer 5

No definitive evidence that race differences were genetic not cultural
Statistics and evidence base flawed
Eugenics implications
Underlying assumptions (Gould, 1995)

Question 6

In which areas of intelligence have sex differences been found?

Answer 6

Men score higher in spatial ability (Maccoby & Jacklin, 1974)
Women tend to score higher on verbal ability
Feingold, 1988; Hedges & Nowell, 1995; Hyde &
Linn, 1988; Linn & Petersen, 1985; Voyer et al., 1995: meta-analysis finding men score higher in:
spatial perception, mental rotation, mechanical reasoning
women score higher in:
verbal production
spelling, language & perceptual speed