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Flynn has shown that there has been a standard deviation increase, per generation, in the mean level of intelligence test performance for most of this century in Western society, which equates to about three IQ points per decade. He believes that such a difference has to be the result of which one of the following? 
  • a)
    An environmental change, because gene frequencies in populations couldn't change so quickly. 
  • b)
    Improvements in the gene pool as we evolve. 
  • c)
    A statistical artefact. 
  • d)
    None of the above.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Verified Answer
Flynn has shown that there has been a standard deviation increase, per...
Such a difference has to be the result of an environmental change, because gene frequencies in populations could not change so quickly. If there can be shifts of one standard deviation in IQ between generations that are environmental in origin, despite the high heritability of IQ differences, why could there not be similar environmentally mediated differences between populations within the current generation?
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Most Upvoted Answer
Flynn has shown that there has been a standard deviation increase, per...
Environmental Change
- Gene frequencies in populations cannot change rapidly enough to account for the observed increase in intelligence test performance over such a short period.
- The rapid increase in intelligence test performance is more likely due to changes in environmental factors such as nutrition, education, technology, and social conditions.
- These environmental changes have likely contributed to the cognitive development of individuals, leading to the observed increase in mean IQ scores over time.
Therefore, Flynn's assertion that the increase in intelligence test performance is the result of an environmental change rather than improvements in the gene pool or a statistical artefact is well-supported.
Community Answer
Flynn has shown that there has been a standard deviation increase, per...
Environmental Change Explanation:
1. Gene Frequencies: Gene frequencies in populations change very slowly over time and cannot account for the rapid increase in intelligence test performance observed by Flynn.
2. Environmental Factors: Environmental changes, such as improvements in education, nutrition, and technology, have a more significant impact on intelligence levels in a short period.
3. Three IQ Points Per Decade: The consistent increase of about three IQ points per decade aligns with societal advancements and changes rather than genetic evolution.
4. Flynn's Conclusion: Flynn's research supports the idea that environmental factors, rather than genetic changes, are responsible for the observed increase in intelligence levels over generations.
In conclusion, the most plausible explanation for the standard deviation increase in intelligence test performance per generation is an environmental change, as gene frequencies do not change rapidly enough to account for such a significant shift.
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Read the case below and answer the questions that follow:The evidence for hereditary influences on intelligence comes mainly from studies on twins and adopted children. The intelligence of identical twins reared together correlates almost 0.90. Twins separated early in childhood also show considerable similarity in their intellectual, personality and behavioural characteristics. The intelligence of identical twins reared in different environments correlated 0.72, those of fraternal twins reared together correlated almost 0.60, and those of brothers and sisters reared together correlated about 0.50, while siblings reared apart correlated about 0.25. Another line of evidence comes from the studies of adopted children, which shows that children’s intelligence is more similar to their biological rather than adoptive parents. With respect to the role of the environment, studies have reported that as children grow in age, their intelligence level tends to move closer to that of their adoptive parents. Children from disadvantaged homes adopted into families with higher socioeconomic status exhibit a large increase in their intelligence scores. There is evidence that environmental deprivation lowers intelligence while rich nutrition, good family background, and quality schooling increases intelligence. There is a general consensus among psychologists that intelligence is a product of complex interaction of heredity (natur e) and environment (nurture). Heredity can best be viewed as something that sets a range within which an individual’s development is actually shaped by the support and opportunities of the environment.Choose the correct option:Q. Children’s intelligence is more closely related to their _____________ parents.

Read the case below and answer the questions that follow:The evidence for hereditary influences on intelligence comes mainly from studies on twins and adopted children. The intelligence of identical twins reared together correlates almost 0.90. Twins separated early in childhood also show considerable similarity in their intellectual, personality and behavioural characteristics. The intelligence of identical twins reared in different environments correlated 0.72, those of fraternal twins reared together correlated almost 0.60, and those of brothers and sisters reared together correlated about 0.50, while siblings reared apart correlated about 0.25. Another line of evidence comes from the studies of adopted children, which shows that children’s intelligence is more similar to their biological rather than adoptive parents. With respect to the role of the environment, studies have reported that as children grow in age, their intelligence level tends to move closer to that of their adoptive parents. Children from disadvantaged homes adopted into families with higher socioeconomic status exhibit a large increase in their intelligence scores. There is evidence that environmental deprivation lowers intelligence while rich nutrition, good family background, and quality schooling increases intelligence. There is a general consensus among psychologists that intelligence is a product of complex interaction of heredity (natur e) and environment (nurture). Heredity can best be viewed as something that sets a range within which an individual’s development is actually shaped by the support and opportunities of the environment.Choose the correct option:Q. Which of these indicates correlation between the siblings who are reared apart?

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Flynn has shown that there has been a standard deviation increase, per generation, in the mean level of intelligence test performance for most of this century in Western society, which equates to about three IQ points per decade. He believes that such a difference has to be the result of which one of the following?a)An environmental change, because gene frequencies in populations couldnt change so quickly.b)Improvements in the gene pool as we evolve.c)A statistical artefact.d)None of the above.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
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