1. Origins of intelligence

2. objectives Describe genes and intelligence Describe environment and intelligence Compare and contrast American and Asian differences in educational values, expectations and beliefs (VENN)

3. Genes and intelligence Behavior genetic studies show heritability of intelligence ( as measured by I.Q. tests) to be high) Heritability- a statistical estimate of the proportion of the total variance in some trait that is attributable to genetic differences among individuals within a group (ch 2)

4. Genes and individual differences Half of the I.Q. score is explained by genetics Environmental influence less effective as you get older Identical twins reared apart have similar I.Q. scores OTOH adopted children more closely correlated with birth parents not adopted parents

5. The question of group differences Most studies between blacks and whites African-American children score 10-12 points lower on I.Q. test than Anglo- Children Some work to explain genetically; some racists use as hatred But most differences in group Tomatoes plant experiment

6. Environment and intelligence Environmental Factors in reduced intelligence or mental ability Poor prenatal care Malnutrition Exposure to toxins Stressful family circumstances OTOH healthy stimulating environment can raise mental performance Evidence ALERT! Developed countries increasing I.Q. scored 3 generations

7. Lewis Terman I.Q. study 1921, 1500 kids with I.Q. scores in top 1% Nicknamed termites Bright, physically healthy, sociable well adjusted Most became successful in traditional ways (men careers, women homemakers) Some drop out, drift into low level work Motivation is difference: ambitious, socially active, had many interests and encouraged by parents No I.Q. difference between groups

8. Motivation and intelligence Comparing 100 most successful men with 100 least successful, researchers found that motivation, not IQ, made the difference. Motivation to work hard at intellectual tasks differs as a function of culture. American children are as knowledgeable as Asian children on general skills. chapter 7

9. Difference in American/Asian students Attitudes, expectations and effort Many Americans believe math is innate so why try American parents happy with passing score but Asian parents happy with only high ones Values: children 5 th grade given choice for magic prize= 60% Asian students said something to help with education; most American children $$$

10. Beliefs about intelligence Asian parents, teachers, and students are more likely to believe that math ability comes from studying. Americans are more likely to view ability as innate. American parents had lower academic standards for kids. American children value education less. chapter 7

11. SUMMARY GENES ENVIORMNET ASAIN/AMERICAN DIFFERNECE