The Origins of Intelligence

Question 1

When searching for genetic differences in intelligence, what do behavioral geneticists focus on?

Answer 1

-heritability of the kind of intelligence measured in IQ tests

Question 2

Define: heritability

Answer 2

• statistical estimate of the proportion of total variance in a trait that is attributable to genetic differences
• 1.00=full heritability

Question 3

Behavioral-genetic studies show that the intelligence needed to produce high IQ scores is…

Answer 3

-highly heritable

Question 4

What is the difference in heritability between children and adolescents, and adults?

Answer 4

children/adolescents
-.40-.50

adults
-.60-.80

Question 5

What happens to genetic contribution with age?

Answer 5

-genetic contribution becomes greater, and environment contribution becomes smaller with age

Question 6

Is heritability a fixed number?

Answer 6

-no

Question 7

What does the total volume of gray matter in the brain reflect?

Answer 7

• the number of nerve cells in the brain, or the number of connections between them
• AFFECTS intelligence

Question 8

What is the heritability of gray matter volume?

Answer 8

-high heritability

Question 9

Can genetic differences also account for IQ differences between groups?

Answer 9

-studies have FAILED to support a genetic explanation

Question 10

What is the fatal flaw in genetic explanations for group differences?

Answer 10

-although intellectual differences WITHIN groups are partly genetic, it does not mean differences BETWEEN groups are genetic

Question 11

Instead of genes, differences in groups can be attributed to…

Answer 11

• environment

- negative stereotypes

Question 12

Differences in groups are not ________, ___________ determined, or signs of innate __________.

Answer 12

• permanent
• genetically
• superiority

Question 13

What can hinder intellectual development?

Answer 13

• poor prenatal care
• malnutrition
• exposure to toxins
• stressful family experiences

Question 14

What can promote intellectual development?

Answer 14

-healthy and stimulating environments

Question 15

Besides IQ, EQ, and practical know-how, what does success also rely on?

Answer 15

• drive and determination

- self-discipline

Question 16

Correlations between ________ and good grades were greater than correlations between _________ and good grades.

Answer 16

• self-discipline

- IQ

Question 17

Self-discipline and motivation to work hard is strongly influenced by…

Answer 17

-attitudes about intelligence and achievement, which is influenced by cultural values

Question 18

What can prevent people from recognizing what they don’t know, and stifle their efforts to learn?

Answer 18

• complacency
• fatalism
• low standards
• desire for immediate gratification