In many societies, the average IQ scores of minority groups are lower than the average IQ scores of the dominant or majority groups. Why can't heritability estimates be used to explain group differences in intelligence?
A) Heritability estimates can only be used to predict individual variation from standardized test scores and do not apply to group differences.
B) Estimates of genetic differences apply only to characteristics that are determined by a single gene or gene pair.
C) Unless the environmental conditions of two racial groups are virtually identical, it is impossible to estimate the overall genetic differences between the two groups.
D) Heritability estimates only apply to intelligence scores that are averaged over a period of at least 20 years, and group data does not exist for that period.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Heritability estimates are based on comparisons of individual genetic variations within a specific population. It is impossible to compare group differences in intelligence solely on the basis of genetic differences because such comparisons must control for environmental factors. Unless the environmental conditions of two racial groups are virtually identical, it is impossible to estimate the overall genetic differences between the two groups. Therefore, heritability estimates cannot be used to explain group differences in intelligence.

In Many Societies, the Average IQ Scores of Minority Groups