Ealier this semester, we listened to a Podcast produced by Julia, Lexie, and Will about the determinants of intelligence. We followed this with a recent article from Scientific American Mind further examining this complex issue. Specifically, we learned about how most IQ tests consider theoretical, abstract processing over more practical problem solving activities that fostered survival in the recent past. We also learned that, despite massive gains in IQ over the last decade (i.e., the Flynn Effect), there really are no noticeable differences between high school graduates across generations. Instead, what seems to change is the rate at which basic, cognitive skills are acquired...children today are simply acquiring these skills more quickly. Finally, we considered the interaction between genes and environment in determining intelligence...one popular idea is that our natural (genetic) dispositions propel us into certain environmental contexts in which we find more resources to help develop these skills. This theory took me back to the research highlighted in our Podcast...self-determination, perhaps, could be an equalizer in terms of openning up access to resources for students who wouldn't have "naturally" gained admittance into these environments.
To continue the conversation about intelligence, please consider listening the Podcast produced by the Infinite Mind on Genius.