Intelligence : Effects Of Genetics, Environment, And Outside Influences

The following research shows the influence of nature and nurture on an individual 's intelligence. Intelligence can be defined as "The aggregate or global capacity to act purposefully think rationally and deal effectively with the environment." Thus intelligence helps define ones action in a given situation. Intelligence can be influenced by many factors, mainly being the nature and environmental. The natural factor consists of the inborn tendencies and genetics that show that a part of intelligence is inherited. The nurture consists of environment and socio economic factors that contribute towards ones intelligence. The issue of nature versus nurture has been constantly debated over in terms of intelligence. Over the years, the pendulum of intelligence has been swinging from nature to nurture determining them to be an independent factor for one 's intelligence. However this pendulum is seen to be coming to a standstill forming a theory which supports both the nature and nurture and their contributions towards one’s cognitive abilities and intelligence.

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Intelligence by definition is “the ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills” (Oxford Dictionary, 2014). However, many psychologists argue that there is no standard definition of ‘intelligence’, and there have been many different theories over time as psychologists try to find better ways to define this concept (Boundless 2013). While some believe in a single, general intelligence, others believe that intelligence involves multiple abilities and skills. Another largely debated concept is whether intelligence is genetically determined and fixed, or whether is it open to change, through learning and environmental influence. This is commonly known as the nature vs. nurture debate.

The biological approach in psychology states that behaviour is determined by a genetic component which results in a particular trait or behaviour. A topic area within psychology where this can be investigated is the heritability of IQ, it is suggested that genetic influence is the only factor to consider when investigating IQ, however others have suggested that other factors may play a role in determining IQ.

Intelligence is most important in today's society. Some individuals have high intelligence, some have low intelligence. An appropriate environment plays an important role in the development of a child’s intelligence. Stephen Jay Gould exchanged many views on intelligence in his book The Mismeasure of Man

The nature versus nurture debate is the scientific, cultural, and philosophical debate about whether human culture, behavior, and personality are caused primarily by nature or nurture. Within the field of psychology, this so-called nature-nurture debate, is very often associated with the issue of intellectual quotient, better known as IQ. In the past psychologists have argued that the way in which a child developed was based solely on nature, genetic or hormone-based behaviors, or nurture, environment and experience. Nevertheless, this extreme way of thinking is now long outdated, and it is clear that both nature and nurture have great effect on our intellectual development. The question now lies in just how much impact each has on an

The basic elements of the nature-nurture controversy, debates the genetic or environmental effects of IQ, personality and behavioral differences in humans. Nature describes an inherited trait, otherwise known as the genes, containing the genetic code for each individual born. These genes contribute the physical characteristics, for example: eye color, skin pigmentation, hair texture, blood type, longevity, etc. Genes impose certain diseases, such as Huntington 's Chorea, Breast Cancer, Down Syndrome, and many more. Nurture describes an influence on the individual by the surrounding environment. This surrounding environment includes: parenting, culture, learned experiences, nutrition, exposure to toxins, pollutants and medications. In summary, scholars have been in debate for years over the issue determining the development of an individual from birth to an adult. Are issue of IQ, personality and behavior, inborn or are they learned? Or is it both? The nature-nurture controversy continues still today (McLeod, S. A. (2007).

Although the side of both nature and nurture are recently coming together to meet a consensus, nurture generally accounts for a bigger portion of the said intelligence. Nurture plays a bigger role because nurture is ultimately what shapes the person’s exact final motives and values, while nature on the other hand creates the predictions of what the person’s characteristics and intelligence level may will be (Segal 62). Many different environmental factors involved in nurture such as geographic location, social interactions, and personal experiences areis what heavily regulates a person’s intelligence. These environmental factors may assist in the determination of one’s intelligence.

Albert Einstein, a well-known physicist once said, “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.” (“A Quote by Albert Einstein.”). Intelligence has been a defining factor in one’s ability to flourish in today’s ever-changing world. The key to obtaining a high IQ, something that is commonly found in the most successful people in history, is plain; intelligence is generally made up of genetic, as well as environmental factors. This leaves it up to the individual to take responsibility and make up for any lacking abilities not granted to them by their heredities. Unfortunately, some thing’s can be out of one’s control, such as their socio-economic

Genetic and environmental impacts on intelligence have been known as “the nature versus nurture” debate. The arguments supporting the biological or the environmental implications that influence the way we think, learn, and behave have been popular topics among psychologists, researchers, and educators.

When a person utters the word “intelligence,” people tend to think of a genius like Albert Einstein developing some obscure equation that the great majority of the population will never understand. The problem with the definition of intelligence is that people relate intelligence to words like “genius” which require intelligence but do not have the same definition as intelligence. Often, people try to use related words to define intelligence, but these words are unable to define intelligence since many are only different levels of intelligence. While many definitions try to encompass the meaning of intelligence and various definitions describe a small part of intelligence, no definition completely explains intelligence, because

Intelligence is used by everyone to help them in everyday life. Where people get their intelligence, however, is debatable. A person is born with an amount of inherited intelligence; this intelligence is considered nature, genetic, or heredity. Then there is intelligence that comes from the ability to learn from experience; this intelligence is impacted by nurture or the environment. It is known that both genetic and environmental factors determine intelligence, but the subject is controversial among professionals. Does nature or nurture have a bigger impact on intelligence? Is it true that some people are born with high intelligence, but are limited by their environment? Given the proper tools, can a person increase their intelligence? How accurate are IQ tests?

Although evidence attributes our intelligence to our parent’s genetics, there also exist environmental factors that suggest that there is general intelligence, which can be measured. A person’s attitude may orient or predetermine the way we handle a situation. For instance, people distinguish themselves from two common traits; While some invest, their time documenting their intelligence, others continue to enhance their way of thinking. These beliefs profoundly affect our lives in such way that our mindsets reflect our abilities and potential. It establishes a relationship with success and failure because one believes our success and flaws occur through one’s own actions as opposed to those with “fixed” mindsets who believe that they are,

In this paper, I will give a brief overview of Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences (MI). I will also discuss the merits and critiques of the theory in the field of cognitive development. I will also discuss the applicability of Gardner’s theory to my personal development. The final section will cover the application of the theory in a counselling framework. This will be supported by discussing theoretical orientations that would best adopt application of Gardner’s theory.

Just like a snowflake, each human is unique and possess different qualities and characteristics. No one is exactly alike, not even identical twins. This is also true when speaking about intelligence. Intelligence can be defined as the ability to resolve problems. This can be done in many ways. Howard Gardner suggests that intelligence can be classified into nine different categories: linguistic, spatial, logical-mathematical, musical, bodily-kinetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalistic, and existential. Each person differs in strengths and weaknesses and may possess different intelligences. An individual may be highly skilled in math and problem solving, but may possess no musical skills. It would benefit a student in college to evaluate Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligences and determine their strengths when deciding what profession would suit them the best. Examining each type of intelligence mentioned in Gardner’s multiple intelligences will yield more knowledge to a student who is in search for a suitable career.