🥸intro to psychology review

key term - Heritability of Intelligence

Definition

Heritability of intelligence refers to the extent to which individual differences in intelligence can be attributed to genetic factors. It explores the relative contribution of genes and environment in shaping a person's cognitive abilities and intellectual potential.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Heritability estimates for intelligence typically range from 40% to 80%, indicating that a significant portion of individual differences in intelligence can be attributed to genetic factors.
  2. Heritability of intelligence is not fixed and can change over the lifespan, with genetic influences becoming more pronounced in adulthood.
  3. Shared environmental factors, such as family upbringing and socioeconomic status, have a greater impact on intelligence in childhood, while non-shared environmental factors become more influential in adolescence and adulthood.
  4. Molecular genetic studies have identified several genes and genetic variants associated with cognitive abilities, but the overall contribution of these specific genes to intelligence is relatively small.
  5. The interplay between genetic and environmental factors in shaping intelligence is complex, and the expression of intelligence is influenced by dynamic interactions between these factors throughout an individual's development.

Review Questions

  • Explain the concept of heritability of intelligence and how it is measured.
    • The heritability of intelligence refers to the proportion of individual differences in intelligence that can be attributed to genetic factors. Researchers use twin studies, which compare the similarities and differences in intelligence between identical twins (who share all their genes) and fraternal twins (who share only some of their genes), to estimate the heritability of intelligence. By analyzing the differences in intelligence between these twin pairs, scientists can determine the relative contribution of genetic and environmental factors in shaping a person's cognitive abilities.
  • Discuss how the heritability of intelligence can change over the lifespan.
    • The heritability of intelligence is not fixed and can vary across different stages of development. In childhood, shared environmental factors, such as family upbringing and socioeconomic status, have a greater impact on intelligence. However, as individuals age, the influence of genetic factors becomes more pronounced, and non-shared environmental factors, such as unique experiences and individual choices, become more influential in shaping intellectual abilities. This dynamic interplay between genetic and environmental factors in the development of intelligence is an important consideration in understanding the heritability of cognitive abilities.
  • Evaluate the implications of the heritability of intelligence for educational and social policies.
    • The heritability of intelligence has significant implications for educational and social policies. If a substantial portion of individual differences in intelligence is attributable to genetic factors, it suggests that a one-size-fits-all approach to education may not be optimal. Policymakers and educators may need to consider personalized learning strategies and interventions that account for the diverse cognitive strengths and weaknesses of students. Additionally, the understanding of heritability can inform discussions around equity, access to educational resources, and the role of environmental factors in fostering intellectual development. However, it is crucial to recognize that heritability estimates do not imply genetic determinism, and environmental factors can still play a significant role in shaping an individual's intellectual potential.

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