PSYCH 105 10, Intelligence

What has a role in determining intelligence?

Both innate characteristics (genes) and unique experiences (environment) play a role.

Define Evolution.

A gradual change in heritable traits within a population of individuals over time.

What is Natural Selection?

The process whereby genes that increase the likelihood of survival and reproduction become more common in a population over time.

What does the term Phenotype refer to?

The observable expression of a trait produced by genetic and environmental factors.

What is Heritability?

The extent to which variation in a characteristic within a population can be attributed to genetic differences.

What does a Heritability Coefficient estimate?

It estimates how much of a characteristic is due to genetic factors.

What does Concordance Rate measure?

The rate of co-occurrence of a characteristic among individuals.

If two organisms show different traits in the same environment, what does it suggest?

It suggests that there must be genetic differences.

Relationship: Parent and Child genetic relatedness?

50%.

What is the genetic relatedness between monozygotic twins?

100%.

What is the main purpose of Family Studies?

To determine if traits are more common within a family compared to the general population.

What do Adoption Studies help separate?

The influence of genetics and environment.

If MZ twins resemble each other more than DZ twins, what does that suggest?

A main genetic contribution to the trait.

Define Reaction Range.

The range of possibilities that genetic code allows for potential genetic expression.

How does heritability of intelligence change with age?

It generally increases with age of the sample.

What is the average IQ score set by standardization?

100

What is the Flynn Effect?

The observation that intelligence scores are rising over time, possibly due to environmental improvements.

What is Self Enhancement Bias?

The tendency to judge one’s performance as better than average without evidence of expertise.

How is Socioeconomic Status related to intelligence?

Low SES may impair brain development while high SES is likely to provide more intellectual stimulation.

What correlation exists between education and intelligence?

A large correlation, generally ranging from r= 0.55 to 0.90.

What is Stereotype Threat?

The fear of confirming negative beliefs about one’s group may lead to poor performance.