Question 1

Most intelligence tests over the years have tended to stress

Accepted Answer

Most intelligence tests have traditionally focused on measuring abilities related to academic performance, such as verbal and reasoning skills. While some newer tests attempt to measure practical and social intelligence, the majority of intelligence tests still prioritize academic abilities.

Question 2

Which of the following is an expression of the nurture side of the nature versus nurture argument?

Accepted Answer

Choice D is the only one that expresses the nurture side of the argument by suggesting that an intellectually stimulating environment can have a positive impact on intellectual performance. The other options either suggest that environmental factors have little effect (A), or that genetics play a more important role in intellectual potential (B and C).

Question 3

The fact that the correlation in IQ scores between identical twins reared apart is higher than that between fraternal twins reared together suggests that intellectual development is

Accepted Answer

The fact that the correlation in IQ scores between identical twins reared apart is higher than that between fraternal twins reared together suggests that intellectual development is influenced more by genetics than by environmental factors. Because identical twins share 100% of their genetic material, any similarities in their IQ scores can be attributed to genetics. On the other hand, fraternal twins share only 50% of their genetic material, and any similarities in their IQ scores could be attributed to genetics or shared environments. Therefore, the fact that the correlation is higher for identical twins supports the idea that genetics plays a stronger role in intellectual development.

Question 4

Experts estimate that the heritability of intelligence is approximately 50%. This suggests that

Accepted Answer

The heritability of intelligence estimates that 50% of the variability in intelligence in a population of individuals is due to variations in genetic inheritance. This means that in a population of individuals, 50% of the differences in intelligence levels are due to differences in their genes. It does not suggest that 50% of a person's intelligence is solely due to genetic inheritance or that genetics are the only factor influencing intelligence. Environmental factors also play a significant role in intelligence, with some experts estimating that environmental factors may account for up to 70% of intelligence differences. Finally, the heritability of intelligence does not account for differences in intelligence between different ethnic groups, as intelligence is a complex trait influenced by many factors beyond genetics.

Question 5

If the differences in IQ scores among people were entirely a result of genetic factors, you would expect to find that the correlation in IQ scores would be

Accepted Answer

If the differences in IQ scores were entirely due to genetic factors, the environment would have no effect on these scores. Therefore, identical twins (who share 100% of their genes) would have the same correlation in IQ scores regardless of whether they were reared together or apart, as their IQs would be influenced solely by their genetics.

Question 6

Adoption studies provide support for the influence of

Accepted Answer

Adoption studies provide evidence for the influence of both environmental and genetic factors on intelligence. While adopted children have no genetic similarity to their adoptive parents, they may still share similar environments. On the other hand, the adopted children may have genetic similarities with their biological parents, which can also influence their IQ. Thus, adoption studies provide a useful way of disentangling the effects of genetics and environment on intelligence.

Question 7

Adoption studies comparing the intelligence of adopted children to their ____ provide support for the role of genetic factors in intelligence.

Accepted Answer

Adoption studies that compare the intelligence of adopted children to their biological parents provide support for the role of genetic factors in intelligence because the children are not biologically related to their adoptive parents, but they share genes with their biological parents. By comparing their intelligence scores to those of their biological parents, researchers can investigate the degree to which genetics contributes to intelligence.

Question 8

If environment affects intelligence, you should predict that the IQs of children who stay in understaffed orphanages will

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that children who grow up in understaffed and neglectful environments, such as orphanages, experience a decline in IQ as they grow older. Lack of stimulation, emotional support, and intellectual stimulation can contribute to this decline.

Question 9

Which of the following statements about the influence of culture on the use of IQ tests is MOST accurate?

Accepted Answer

Culture plays a significant role in shaping our understanding of intelligence. Different cultures have different values, beliefs, and attitudes that influence the way they define intelligence. For example, some cultures emphasize practical skills or social intelligence rather than academic ability. Therefore, the use and interpretation of IQ tests can vary across cultures, and it is important to consider cultural factors when administering and interpreting such tests.

Question 10

Coleman is currently 30 years old. When he was 15 years old, he took an intelligence test and was told that his IQ score was 110. If Coleman retakes the intelligence test now, he would be likely to discover that his current IQ score

Accepted Answer

IQ scores are generally considered to be stable over time, so it is likely that Coleman's current IQ score would be similar to his previous score. While there may be some minor fluctuations based on factors such as test-taking conditions and individual variability, it is unlikely that his score would have doubled or been cut in half. Additionally, while there is some variability in scores due to test-retest reliability, this is typically not large enough to completely invalidate the scores.

Question 11

IQ scores do NOT routinely increase as we get older because

Accepted Answer

IQ scores are calculated based on a comparison with others in the same age group. As people get older, the norm group changes, and they are being compared with a different set of people. Therefore, IQ scores do not routinely increase as we get older.

Question 12

The fact that adopted children resemble their biological parents in intelligence, even though they were not reared by those parents suggests that intellectual development is

Accepted Answer

The fact that adopted children resemble their biological parents in intelligence suggests that intelligence is more influenced by genetics than by environmental factors.

Question 13

Correlations between students' IQ scores and their school grades suggest that IQ tests

Accepted Answer

Correlations between students' IQ scores and their school grades suggest that there is a relationship between IQ and school performance. This means that IQ tests are reasonably valid as a method to predict school performance. However, it is important to note that there are other factors that can also influence school performance, such as motivation, study habits, and socio-economic status.

Question 14

If a large research study measured the IQs of white middle-class American females and middle-class Japanese males, it is most likely that measures of heritability for the two groups would be

Accepted Answer

Heritability measures the extent to which genetic differences contribute to individual differences in a trait within a specific population. Since there are likely genetic and environmental differences between the two groups being studied, it is possible that the heritability of IQ in these groups would differ. Therefore, it is likely that the measures of heritability for the two groups would be different.

Question 15

Which of the following statements BEST characterises the current view regarding the use of tests to predict vocational success?

Accepted Answer

There is controversy over the use of IQ tests in hiring employees. While some argue that IQ tests provide a reliable measure of mental ability and therefore predict potential vocational success, others argue that they are biased and not necessarily indicative of job performance. As a result, many employers now use a variety of different tests, such as personality assessments and situational judgement tests, in addition to or in place of IQ tests.

Question 16

The best evidence supporting the role of genetic factors in intelligence is provided by studies that compare

Accepted Answer

Studies that compare identical and fraternal twins provide the best evidence supporting the role of genetic factors in intelligence. This is because identical twins share 100% of their genes while fraternal twins share only 50% on average, making it easier to differentiate between genetic and environmental influences on intelligence. Studies with adoptive families, such as choice A, provide evidence for the role of environment, but do not necessarily isolate genetic factors. The choices C and D are not relevant to studying genetics and intelligence.

Question 17

The use of intelligence tests in making employment hiring decisions

Accepted Answer

The use of intelligence tests in employment hiring decisions has been controversial for decades. It has been criticized for its potential to discriminate against certain groups and its limited ability to accurately predict job performance. Therefore, it is considered a questionable practice.

Question 18

Convincing evidence for the role of environmental influences on intelligence is provided by studies that compare

Accepted Answer

Studies that compare adopted children to their adoptive parents provide convincing evidence for the role of environmental influences on intelligence because these children do not share genes with their adoptive parents, meaning that any observed similarities or differences in intelligence can be attributed to environmental factors such as parenting, education, and socioeconomic status. Comparisons between biological parents and adopted children (choice A) or biological parents and their own children (choice C) are less informative because these individuals share genes as well as environment. Comparing identical twins reared together and fraternal twins reared together (choice D) can help to disentangle the relative influences of genes and environment, but may not provide as clear evidence for the specific environmental factors that impact intelligence.

Question 19

The person who is sensitive to others' needs and accepts others for who they are is evidencing the ____ type of intelligence.

Accepted Answer

The ability to understand and interact effectively with others is a characteristic of interpersonal intelligence, which falls under the category of multiple intelligences known as "social intelligence". This type of intelligence involves skills related to empathy, communication, cooperation, and leadership, and is often considered essential for success in personal and professional relationships.

Question 20

The fact that the correlation in IQ scores between identical twins reared apart is lower than that between identical twins reared together suggests that

Accepted Answer

The lower correlation in IQ scores between identical twins reared apart suggests that environmental factors (such as different parenting styles or educational opportunities) can have an impact on intellectual development, in addition to genetic factors.

Quiz 9: Human Intelligence