Question 1

What did a study of 500 pairs of MZ and DZ twins done in Kentucky find, in terms of intelligence?

Accepted Answer

The study found that the correlations between DZ twins were about the same as those between other siblings, indicating a genetic component to intelligence.

Question 2

IQ scores in the Western world have increased significantly over the last 50 years. This is most likely due to

Accepted Answer

While evolution cannot be fully ruled out, the most significant factors contributing to the increase in IQ scores are likely the improvements in educational systems and mass media penetration. These factors have led to increased access to education and information, which in turn have a positive impact on cognitive development and problem-solving abilities.

Question 3

Marko and Ivan are cousins. We can expect a __________ correlation between their IQs.

Accepted Answer

Cousins are not immediate family members, so their genetic similarity and environmental upbringing may vary greatly. Therefore, we can expect a weak correlation between their IQs.

Question 4

If intelligence is related to genetic factors, then kinship studies should show that

Accepted Answer

Kinship studies suggest that genetic similarity correlates with IQ similarity, so both A and B are correct.

Question 5

Stephan was separated from his biological parents at an early age. His IQ scores are very similar to those of his adoptive parents. This similarity probably reflects

Accepted Answer

Since Stephan was separated from his biological parents at an early age, this rules out hereditary influences on his intelligence. The similarity of his IQ scores with his adoptive parents suggests that environmental factors played a larger role in his intellectual development. Therefore, the correct answer is B, environmental influences on intelligence.

Question 6

Janet Hyde studied gender differences in 7 million children for performance in mathematics on standardized tests. What did she find?

Accepted Answer

Hyde found that more boys were at the extremes, with more boys than girls scoring very high and very low on math tests.

Question 7

Head Start programs seem to enhance IQ scores of the children involved by exposing them to such materials as

Accepted Answer

Head Start programs expose children to letters, words, numbers, and books, which can enhance their IQ scores. Since all of these options are provided in Head Start programs, the best answer is D.

Question 8

Why might European American children outperform African American children on "culture-free" tests?

Accepted Answer

Both options A and B suggest that European American children may have had more access to materials (like blocks, pencils, and paper) and experiences (like drawing animals, people, and things) that are commonly found on tests designed and developed by people from European American backgrounds. This could give them an advantage over African American children who may not have had as much exposure to these materials and experiences. This points to a potential cultural bias in these "culture-free" tests.

Question 9

In the MacArthur longitudinal twin study, researchers found that identical (MZ) twins were more similar to each other than fraternal (DZ) twins in

Accepted Answer

The MacArthur longitudinal twin study found that MZ twins were more similar to each other than DZ twins in a variety of cognitive abilities, including ability to categorize things, word comprehension, and spatial memory. Therefore, the best answer is D, all of these.

Question 10

A government-funded enriched preschool program for disadvantaged children is called

Accepted Answer

The correct name of the program is "Head Start," not any of the options listed.

Question 11

Studies with children in Colorado, Texas, and Minnesota have found a stronger relationship between the IQ scores of adopted children and their __________ than with their ____________.

Accepted Answer

Multiple studies conducted in Colorado, Texas, and Minnesota have found a stronger correlation between the IQ scores of adopted children and their biological parents as compared to their adopted parents. This suggests that genetic factors play a more significant role in determining IQ than environmental factors such as upbringing and upbringing.

Question 12

Valeria is a two-year-old whose mother is involved with her and is emotionally and verbally responsive to her. She gives Valeria appropriate play materials and varies her daily experiences. Valeria will probably

Accepted Answer

Research consistently shows that positive maternal involvement and responsiveness can have a positive impact on a child's cognitive development and IQ scores later on. Valeria is receiving appropriate play materials and varied experiences, which can further enhance her cognitive development.

Question 13

According to research by Victoria Molfese and her colleagues, _________ was the single most important predictor of scores on IQ tests among children age 3 to 8.

Accepted Answer

According to the research by Victoria Molfese and her colleagues, the home environment was the single most important predictor of scores on IQ tests among children age 3 to 8. This means that factors such as the quality of interaction with parents, access to learning resources, and exposure to stimulating experiences at home had a greater impact on children's IQ scores than other factors such as parent IQ, quality of schools, or children's IQ scores at age 2.

Question 14

Research on genetic factors in human intelligence has used __________ studies.

Accepted Answer

Research on genetic factors in human intelligence has used all of these types of studies, including twin studies, adoptee studies, and kinship studies. Twin studies involve comparing the intelligence scores of identical and fraternal twins, who share different amounts of genetic material. Adoptee studies involve comparing the intelligence scores of adopted children to those of their biological and adoptive parents. Kinship studies involve comparing the intelligence of people who have different degrees of genetic relatedness, such as siblings, half-siblings, and cousins.

Question 15

Moderate correlations are generally found between the IQ scores of

Accepted Answer

Moderate correlations are generally found between the IQ scores of siblings, parents and their children, and fraternal (dizygotic) twins. Therefore, all of these are the best choice.

Question 16

Which is the best summary statement to characterize the heritability of intelligence?

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that genetic factors account for about 50% of the variation in intelligence test scores among individuals. This suggests that environmental factors also play a significant role in determining intelligence. Therefore, option C is the best summary statement to characterize the heritability of intelligence. Options A and B are too extreme and do not accurately represent the complex interaction between genes and environment. Option D overestimates the contribution of genetics and is not supported by scientific evidence.

Question 17

Given current research, which is most likely True?

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that there is greater variability in reading and math skills within sex groups than between sex groups. This means that there are likely to be differences in skills within both males and females, rather than solely between the sexes. The other answer choices make assumptions based on sex and do not consider individual differences or the complexity of cognitive development.

Question 18

Overall, most studies suggest that the heritability of intelligence is

Accepted Answer

Most studies suggest that the heritability of intelligence is between 40% and 60%. This indicates that genetics play a significant role in determining individual differences in intelligence, but environmental factors, such as education and upbringing, also contribute to overall intelligence.

Question 19

Kia is a foster child in an American home. Based on the results of most kinship studies, we would predict that her IQ would be __________ the IQs of her foster parents.

Accepted Answer

Kinship studies generally find that the IQs of children are more strongly correlated with their biological parents than with their adoptive parents, indicating that genetics plays a significant role in determining IQ. Therefore, Kia's IQ would be expected to be weakly correlated with the IQs of her foster parents.

Question 20

Research evidence generally shows that

Accepted Answer

Research evidence indicates that programs such as Head Start enhance the IQ scores and academic achievement of children who participate in those programs. Options A and B are incorrect as government-funded programs and Head Start programs, respectively, have been shown to have a positive impact on children's development and academic success. Option D is also incorrect as it includes A and B, which are both incorrect.

Quiz 7: Thinking, Language, and Intelligence