Intelligence - Nature vs Nurture

Most scientists agree that genes have some influence over general intelligence and special aptitudes in such activities as athletics, mathematics, music, and science. But genes are not the only factor involved in producing these characteristics.

The brain is one of the most complex, unknown organs of the human body. Researchers often break down the characteristics of the brain to whether tendencies are achieved through nurtured environments or the inheritability of genetics. Intelligence is one of the most controversial topics when it comes to deciding whether environment or genetics are most influential. Many argue that intelligence is based on environmental factors and the unique ability to work hard, but fail to realize the essential cognitive qualities concerning what truly defines intelligence. Although some may consider this trait as based on environment, intelligence is a cognitive attribute established by the nature of genetics.

The concept of neuroplasticity has long been questioned. The term of “neuroplasticity” did not even come about until the mid-late 20th century. When the term “plastic” was used to describe the brain by a select few neuroscientists, they were laughed at and the term was never thought of as a description for the human brain. The human brain was seen as a closed circuit and one that once you had it, you definitely had it. Scientists thought the brain would not develop anymore past a certain point in your life. Norman Doidge brings the concept of neuroplasticity into reality in his book “The Brain that Changes Itself,” a book about the triumphs in the frontier of brain science.

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 Brain That Changes Itself is an informative and an educational book was written by Canadian Psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, writer, and researcher Norman Doidge, who delivers a dramatic change message about the plasticity of the brain; how the brain changes itself. "The Brain That Changes Itself" is a chain of excellent case studies of individuals who have undergone a brain deficit of some kind and examines different types of brain deficits from simple sensory; auditory and visual to complex deficits; missing brain regions. The book recounts neuroscientific advances on how neuroplasticity does not limit the individual to predefined neural limitations and that our way of thinking, as well as the activities that we perform every day,

intelligence is determined by environment or genetics. The fact that human DNA is nearly identical across

Dweck’s finding surprised me. What surprised me is that alternatively I myself have always learned or heard that intelligence or IQ is something we're born with with some environmental factors having some effect on it. Moreover, it’s good to know that some one else has a different viewpoint on that it is very possible for one's abilities to go beyond. Indeed, the whole concept of hard work or effort is something very important to point out. when it comes down to intelligence because one can have a high IQ, but without any hard work or effort one can't really accomplish anything. Above all, Intelligence can be a factor of many things but one thing for sure is that hard work or effort is a necessary quality to add.

Development is best based off of both nature and nurture. On one hand, nature plays a large role in development because navigating different environments leads to growth and being able to make these independent decisions can make a significant difference in adulthood. It is important to encounter uncontrolled environments on a regular basis. On the other hand, it is important for growing individuals to have a safe area to express their feelings and frustrations to someone who understands them. It is important for development to be positive growth as well, not just being “toughened up.” Intelligence is best based off of nature. It is important to properly nurture intelligence, but extraordinarily high intelligence is only truly determined by

Intelligence Quotient usually correlates with the ability to learn but that is not accurate. The autistic genius and the math prodigy with ADHD are just two examples that prove that IQ and cognitive ability do not correlate. The plasticity of the brain allows mental deficits circumvented. Subjects with high cognitive abilities but with neurological defects prove that the relationship between cognitive ability and IQ is not a causation relationship. More information about the brain has been collected in the last fifteen years in comparison to the rest of history combined. The significance of IQ and unintuitive correlation between IQ and cognitive ability has yet to be explained: humans with much lower than average IQ have cognitive abilities

IQ is influenced by what takes place at the familial level because it can either nurture a person’s thirst for knowledge or become a barrier for them, if there is no one there to help or praise that persons efforts

Herrnstein and Charles Murray, evidence shows that “intelligence is to a significant extent inherited.” Since 1994 when the book was published, there has been more research on the topic of where it comes from. The battle still exists between stemming from our surrounding environment or being in the genes. Sue Ramsden at University College London did an IQ study with some of her colleagues on 33 adolescents. She did the study 3-4 years later and found the adolescents test scores increased, some dramatically. This evidence shows that intelligence can change throughout one’s life. Upbringing plays a role in an individual being able to explore their own mind and intelligence. If a child is raised without encouragement and direction, they may have a negative view and a harder time wanting to explore knowledge. Reading to child when they’re young, traveling to other cities/states, and communication all are factors in opening the mind of children at a young age that can carry on into adulthood. But here's where the controversy comes in. Some children and adolescents who did not have a good upbringing, had a rocky childhood and un-directive parents still have turned out to be straight A students and have a high, and growing, intelligence in one or more areas. Everyone has different abilities and finding what that is can look easy to some people whereas some may have a more difficult

In my conclusion I found that it is hard to accredit either nature or nurture that influences intelligence, it’s not hard to say they both do. In my own

Once a person has an idea of what intelligence is and what it means, a final thought one might consider is what influences are responsible for the different types of intellect. Two possible influences are genetics and the environment in which one lives, with genetics being the strongest influence (Santrock, 2009, pg. 302). Most researchers agree that a person’s genetics and environment interact with one another to influence the outcome of that person’s intelligence (Santrock, 2009, pg. 302). Genetic influences should be pretty obvious, so there should be no need to explain it; a person’s environment on the other hand, can involve several factors. An environment can consist of elements such as a person’s school, home, friendships, family relationships, and workplaces. All of these components factor in to influence a person’s intelligence.

While this assumption is accepted by a majority of geneticists and behavioral scientists, there is great disagreement on the degree of influence each contributes. Arguments for environmental influences are compelling; at the same time there is growing evidence that genetic influence on intelligence is significant and substantial (Eyesenck, 1998; Mackintosh, 1998; Plomin, 1994; Steen, 1996). The purpose of this paper is to explore the question: "How is intelligence influenced by heredity and environment?"

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?