influences on intelligence

2.8c

heritability

The degree to which the variation of certain characteristics in the population is attributable to genetics – heritability of intelligence is 50 to 60% which means 50 to 60% of variation of intelligence in the population due to genetics

epigenetics

the study of how environmental factors impact genes

flynn effect

james flynn found intelligence quotient scores in America and 19 other nations have steadily risen in the last half century— believes that IQ scores are increasing roughly 3 points per decade – believes because of better nutrition, more stimulating surroundings, increased access to schooling, and increased cultural focus on testing

reaction range

interactionist model— proposes that we are genetically endowed with a specific range for intelligence, establishes limit, but environment determines whether we fall high or low on that range

twin studies in IQ and genetics

If IQ scores of identical or monozygotic twins raised apart are compared to dizygotic twins we can assume the similarities in the monozygotic twins are due to genetics