Does Birth Order Affect Intelligence?

Almost all of us are familiar of the Birth Order theory that Alfred Adler presented almost a century ago. Adler theorized that our personalities are hugely influenced by our chronological place in the family because

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 experiment that I read was "Born First, Born Smarter". It was a study done by R. B. Zajonc and G. B. Markus in 1975. They planned to see why recent research had determined that the first-born child in a family related to certain characteristics. It was round that first-born children tend to be more verbally articulate, less impulsive, more active, better performers in school, more likely to go to college, and tend to have a greater need to achieve. It was also found that earlier-born children tend to score higher on tests of intelligence and aptitude than those born into the family later. One of the things researchers looked at was the different environments that a first-born and second-born

A study published by the National Academy of Sciences, compared the IQ of 436 Swedish twin brothers. One brother raised by the biological parents and the other raised by his adopted parents. During the study they found that the adopted brother's who didn’t grow up with the biological parents had a 4.4 higher IQ’s. The author, Sarah Griffiths says that, “Researchers found that children raised in wealthier and more educated households grow up to be smarter than those brought up in poorer homes.” (Griffiths 2). Adoptive parents most times will be more educated and wealthier, this creates the environmental part of a child’s intelligence. Part of a wealthy family is the parents involved in

His findings have concluded that environmental factors explains 58 percent of IQ variations around the world. If IQ tests were able to compare different backgrounds of different races, it would be more apparent. An American clinical psychologist Terrie Moffitt, said that negative environments (low social status or ineffective parenting) could affect a child 's intelligence even more (Parker/Morton 1). There is a way to make a child smarter and that starts from an upbringing environment that is positive (Hurley). While bringing in the genetics of an individual based on their skin color, there are also different environmental factors that can contribute to the correlation between race and intelligence.

Nisbett, R. E. (2004) Heredity, environment, and race differences in IQ: A commentary on Rushton and Jensen. Retrieved October 12, 2016 from, PsycINFO Database.

In IQ Study Finds Class Effect by Rick Weiss, he discusses why poor children, and especially black poor children, score lower on average than their middle-income and white counterparts on performance tests. Studies have repeatedly found that genes, not environment, explain most of the differences in IQ among individuals. However, a new study of the interaction among genes, environment and IQ finds that the influence of genes on intelligence is dependent on class.

In my opinion from watching the documentary and videos and what I have read in the book --- The Genius in All of Us by David Shenk is that I am glad that someone took the time and effort to figure out what most of what humans learn from is from the environment more so than genes. Genetic differences do exist and they do matter tremendously. Most of us don’t know what our true genetics are. One common characteristic in all successful adults is that some point in their lives they come to realize how much of the process of improvement is in their own control. People that understand that achieving success has to do with process and skill building are more ambitious and they do better. There is a big difference between what statistics tell you about genes and what biology tells you about genes. For example: Epigenetics introduce the concept of free will into our idea of genetics. Then there is Gene Expression which is the process by which information from a gene is used in the synthesis of a functional gene product. Another is Gene Environment interaction which is the phenotypic effect of interactions between genes and the environment. As stated in the textbook: “Intelligence,” as they have seen can mean many things. But however we define or measure it; clearly some people think and behave more intelligently than others. What

Though there are specific temperaments and personality traits commonly found in each birthplace, it does not signify that each characteristic perfectly fits a single child or adult in that order. Many variables interfere with the general traits found in each birthplace and can easily change the personalities of that specific order. A complete change in birth order characteristics can also result from these specific interferences. Both circumstances in the outside and inside world take effect and are called the variables of birth order. These variables are very important to keep in mind while looking at this subject. Dr. Kevin Leman, an internationally renowned psychologist, and New York Times Bestselling Author, lists some of the major variables found in many children and adults in his book The Birth Order Book. The spacing of up to five years or more, gender, physical and mental disabilities or difference, deaths in the family, and also spacing will interfere and alter the personality traits found in each birth placement. This list of variables can continue on, but looking at these can provide insight to those dealing with doubts towards their specific birth order or where they may fit

Both sides used numerous studies done by researchers. For the articles that favor that birth order does effect IQ used research findings from American Psychological Association, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and a longitudinal study. On the opposing side used research finding from Medical Xpress, Journal of Research in Personality, and the Journal Science. The research was performed more recently and involved a university. Both sides of the controversy present limited data, such as the average difference of IQ between the firstborn and their siblings. On the opposing side, used a recent study done in 2014, whereas, the rest of the other articles used studies done in the past as late as 1970. Also included quotes from professors that were involved in the studies. Furthermore, had an IQ company discussed that IQ was not effect by birth order before taking an IQ test. However, two the articles used the same sources of information, which was the most recent study, very limited sources. In favor of birth order effecting IQ used famous names, such as Charles Darwin and Galton to support their information. The NBC source used information that most NASA astronauts and Nobel Laureates were firstborns without including any data to support that. All three sources also included numerous quotes from doctors and professor of psychology. In addition, had more variability of sources used in the

Does birth order affect personality? Can the chronological order of which you and your siblings are born determine your fate and shape you as an adult? As many factors as there are that mold us into who we are and how we are, it's hard to believe that birth order could be one of those significant factors. Alfred Adler, founder of individual psychology, was the first to theorize and discuss how birth order affects one's personality development. Adler argued that birth order can leave an ingrained impression on one's lifestyle which is reflected on the way the person handles friendships, work, and love. Adler believed that his theory could help people understand why they are the way are so that they could improve their life as Adler put emphasis

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?"

Debates on the relationship between birth order and intelligence have been remaining controversial. Birth order is considered as a person's ranking by age among his or her siblings. There have been numerous researchers studying about this subject to find whether firstborns generally have a higher IQ scores than their siblings. Some scientists conclude that birth order strongly influents intelligence; however, others oppose to this, claiming that birth order has no effect on intelligence. In this paper, my study deals with the birth order effects on intelligence.

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?