More on Intelligence and Heritability

[Phil153]

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I think the problem stems from media reporting which sensationalizes the issue and from scientists who make more outlandish claims to get more recognition. It is quite annoying, but it is difficult to spread information to the masses in any other way.

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Are you serious? The default position in the media and academia today is that everyone is equal and that differences are 100% environmental.

[Taraz]

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I think the problem stems from media reporting which sensationalizes the issue and from scientists who make more outlandish claims to get more recognition. It is quite annoying, but it is difficult to spread information to the masses in any other way.

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Are you serious? The default position in the media and academia today is that everyone is equal and that differences are 100% environmental.

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I was referring to the problem that the public is not aware of the methodological limitations of certain studies. Basically that the actual conclusions of science are quite often overstated and sensationalized to sell to the masses.

[thesnowman22]

I'm no scientist, but this makes sense to me:

Your genes set a limit as to how smart you will be. The better the genes, the greater potential for intelligence.

Your environment can determine how far up or down you go in your genetic potential. If you are raised in a good home, eat right, are sent to good schools, etc, you come closer to realizing your potential.

Because our world has improved over the years in quality of life, etc. then it follows that IQ scores would have to rise as well.

I would think this would hold true in anything genetic. For example, your genes give you potential to jump a certain height off the floor, but your environment, lifting weightd, exercise, etc. determine how high you can jump.

The two are interelated, but I think the genes limit somewhat your outcomes.