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High Intelligence: Nature or Nurture?
Some researchers believe that intelligence is a trait inherited from a person’s parents whereas others claim that it is determined by environmental influences. Scientists who support the genetic origin of intelligence typically cite evidence from twin studies. One of the most well-known is the Minnesota Study of Twins Reared Apart. In this investigation, researchers found that identical twins raised together, as well as identical twins raised apart, exhibit a higher correlation between their IQ scores than siblings or nonidentical twins raised together. These findings suggest a genetic component to intelligence.
At the same time, other psychologists believe that intelligence is shaped by a child’s developmental environment. According to this theory, if parents were to provide their children with intellectual stimuli from before they are born, it is likely that they would absorb the benefits of that stimulation, and it would be reflected in intelligence levels.
The reality is that aspects of each idea are probably correct. In fact, one study suggests that although genetics seem to be in control of the level of intelligence, environmental influences provide both stability and change, which trigger manifestation of cognitive abilities.
“Psychology 2e” by OpenStax is licensed under CC BY 4.0. A small excerpt was extracted from Chapter 7 and edited. This textbook can be downloaded free from https://openstax.org/details/books/psychology-2e.