Used the classical twin design with 390 pairs of twins to study the influence of genetic factors on the large phenotypic variation in inspection time (IT) and whether the well-established IT-IQ association could be explained by a common genetic factor. Findings provide potentially important information for the biological bases of the…

Reviews recent research on the etiologies of autism, including genetic research, anatomic and neuroimaging studies, topics in neurophysiology research (including serotonin, dopamine, and opiods), immunologic research, studies of autism phenotype, and electroencephalographic studies. It concludes that, as of yet, research has found no clear…

This study provides support for a potential subclinical marker in the executive function domain of siblings (n=18, ages 8-18) of autistic individuals, compared to learning-disabled controls. No group differences in theory-of-mind abilities were found. The need to develop more sensitive measures is discussed. (Author/JDD)

Describes Arthur Jensen's contributions to the study of general intelligence ("g"). His research has led to studies of genetic intelligence and speed of cognitive processing and the study of biological correlates of "g." (SLD)

Reviews the work of Arthur Jensen, noting his extensive bibliography and characterizing his work as an extension of the British Biological-Theoretical Tradition. Proposes a new definition of "Jensenism" based on the Jansenist heresy. (SLD)

Reflections on psychological perspectives of aging are focused around issues of biological changes and mental functioning, genetic factors in aging, psychological changes with aging, individual differences in mental functioning and the intellectual decline of the aged. (EH)

Shows that one of the most general processes in the development of cognitive structures consists in replacing exogenous knowledge by endogenous reconstructions that reconstitute the same forms but incorporate them into systems whose internal composition is a pre-requisite. Biologically equivalent process is discussed. (Author/AM)

Considers the contribution to information-processing accounts of human intelligence differences made by Arthur Jensen, commending his persistence in research and noting his reductionist orientation. Explores the question of correlated vectors studied by Jensen. (SLD)

A study of twins was conducted to determine the presence of an hereditary component in short term memory and in three aspects of verbal divergent thinking--flexibility, fluency, and originality. Results showed the existence of a significant genetic component in the trait of short term memory, while none was found in verbal divergent thinking. (AG)

A twin study involving 808 children with reading disability (RD) and 455 children with phonological disorder (PD) found each were heritable on their own. Further, even when correcting for RD, the two disorders were found to be co-heritable, indicating co-familiarity is at least partially driven by genetic influences. (Contains references.)…

The assumption that a singular biological resource pool embedded in the central nervous system results in differences in macrolevel outcomes because of the constraints it imposes on efficiencies of microlevel processing is refuted. Moderating effects on the causal pathways between microlevel and macrolevel performance are discussed. (SLD)

This address examines the future of biobehavioral science and the opportunities and pitfalls it holds for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Examples of recent advances in genetics and neurosciences are discussed, as well as opportunities that these advances hold for understanding the effects of the environment on…

This article focuses on methods useful for identifying differences in the development of language reading abilities in children that rely on measures of brain responses and behavioral assessments. Findings from these methods are described and indicate that even behaviors strongly influenced by biological mechanisms can be influenced through…

Preliminary results from data on 146 Australian, 284 American, and 70 Norwegian preschool twins indicate reliable genetic influences on phonological awareness and memory and learning. Vocabulary, grammar, and morphology showed significant shared environment and negligible genetic effects. A print knowledge composite showed genetic and shared…