Question

A politician asserts that the government should not spend money on "head start" programs for poor children since intelligence is largely genetically based. What would be your response, considering the research and information presented in this chapter?

Answer 1

Intelligence Tests are administered to measure the Intelligence Quotient (IQ) of an individual. Intelligence Tests were first introduced to diagnose slow learners or children with mental retardation. However, it is also used to identify the 'gifted'. It is indeed true that genetics play an important role in intelligence. An individual whose parents score high on the IQ test, is most likely to score high on intelligence test as well. However, it is not the only determinant or factor in intelligence. Environmental factors play an equally important role. If the environment that they are brought up in, does not have enough resources or good teachers or schools, they are ought to not be aware of the world and it's doings like individuals from other countries are. Most intelligence tests are a combination of memory, verbal associations, spatial reasoning, learning, thinking, problem-solving and etcetera. The population that the test is administered upon is important to consider as Cognitive intelligence is dependent on an individual's education, upbringing, culture, social classes and races. Poor children have a more difficult life as compared to the rich children. The poor don't have an easy access to the internet, or good quality teachers and schools which is ought to result in lower IQ in comparison to the rich kids. Genetics is not the only component which defines the racial differences in IQ.

Research and theories are developed for better understanding of the world. It is important to publish newly found research results.