Genetic and Environmental Influences on Intelligence

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and concepts from the lecture on genetic and environmental influences on intelligence.

Heritability

The proportion of variation among individuals in a group that can be attributed to genes, with estimates for intelligence ranging from 50% to 80%.

Polygenetic

Involving many genes, like intelligence, similar to how height is predicted by numerous DNA sequences.

Twin Studies

Research studies involving identical and fraternal twins, raised together or apart, used to explore the relative effects of genetics and environment on behaviors and disorders.

Gene-Environment Interaction

The dynamic interplay where genes shape experiences, which in turn shape us, such as a natural aptitude triggering social experiences that multiply original skills.

Growth Mindset

The belief that intelligence is changeable and can grow stronger with use, fostered by focusing on learning, effort, and tackling challenges.

Stereotype Threat

The risk of confirming negative stereotypes about one's group, which can undermine performance and learning due to self-doubts and monitoring hijacking working memory.

Intelligence

A combination of ability, opportunity, and motivation, leading to success in various fields; also influenced by self-discipline and belief in the power of effort.

Bias in Testing

In the scientific meaning, bias hinges on whether a test predicts future behavior for all groups of test-takers, with major aptitude tests in the US deemed not biased in this sense.

Racial and Ethnic Differences in Intelligence

Differences exist in average intelligence test scores between racial and ethnic groups, but these differences may be entirely environmental rather than genetic.

Gender Similarities and Differences in Mental Ability

Men's and women's intelligence differences are minor, with girls outperforming boys in some areas and boys outperforming girls in spatial ability and complex math problems.