Thought and Language - Lecture Nine

Question 1

The Bell Curve (1994, Herrnstein & Murray) claimed;

Answer 1

IQ tests measure what most people think of as intelligence
Psychologists agree that a general factor (g) exists
IQ is almost impossible to modify through education and special training
IQ is mostly genetically determined
Racial differences in IQ are the result of heredity
US govt wasting money with enrichment programs

Question 2

Limitation of The Bell Curve (1994, Herrnstein & Murray) claims

Answer 2

They are deeply flawed

Question 3

Heritability

Answer 3

The statistical number or estimate that looks at the contribution of genetic difference for explaining the difference in a particular trait.

Question 4

Limitation of twin studies

Answer 4

Assume that environments of identical twins are no more similar than those of fraternal twins or siblings

Question 5

Genetic influence of IQ during development

Answer 5

Inherited disease e.g. PKU and Tay Sachs which impairs development
Non-inherited influences e.g. down-syndrome

Question 6

Environmental influences of IQ during development

Answer 6

Teratogens
Nutrition 
Stimulation
Trauma
Lead
Mercury
Schooling

Question 7

Evidence for environmental effects on intelligence scores

Answer 7

African‐American children adopted into high SES (socio‐economic status) families show significantly higher IQ scores than those who remain in lower SES homes (Scarr & Weinberg, 1976)

Question 8

Stereotype threat and intelligence scores

Answer 8

Stereotypes have a negative impact on performance