Discusses the patterns of mental development of 350 pairs of twins studied longitudinally from 11/2-6 years of age. (DP)

Four basic assumptions of IQ tests - age constancy, scholastic validity, standard environment and performance suggiciency are alien to Piaget's theory. Heredity cannot be statistically separated from environment; therefore, Piagetian theory would suggest the nature-nurture controversy is devoid of meaning. (ST)

Virtual twins are unrelated siblings of the same age who are reared together from early infancy (UST-SA). Study uses a sample of 90 UST-SA pairs to comparatively assess the similarity of IQ subtest profile correlations for UST-SAs and twin pairs. Findings support explanatory models of intelligence that include genetic factors, demonstrating that…

Introduces the confluence model as a theory specifying the process by which the intellectual environment modifies intellectual development. Using this model, explores the contradiction between prediction of secular trends in test scores by trends in aggregate birth order and the lack of prediction of individual test scores by birth order using…

Examined the origins of high general cognitive ability (g) in twins who were participating in the MacArthur Longitudinal Twin Study. Formed high g groups from the 19th percentile and above at each age. Results suggested increasing genetic influence and increasing genetic stability from 14 to 36 months and substantial genetic influences with…

The waste of human intellectual resources resulting from the dynamics of early nutritional deprivation is a serious social and public health problem. An undernourished child develops more slowly, demanding and receiving less attention than a well-nourished child, and is thus less able to compete in school and in society in general. (Author/GC)

Refutes six common misconceptions about Piaget's theories, including their educational implications; Piaget's position on heredity v environment; and the relationships between developmental stages, age, and brain growth spurts. Condensed from "Impact on Instructional Improvement", Winter 1981, p7-11. (SJL)

This paper discusses the nature-nurture controversy concerning the origins of mental abilities. Specifically, the author looks at the viewpoint of Arthur Jensen and critically examines his work. This paper presents an overview of Jensen's position followed by a discussion of shortcomings in his methodology and research techniques. The author…

This paper considers the role of intelligence in lifetime achievement, noting the importance not only of general cognitive ability but also abilities not measured by standardized intelligence tests. It urges educators of the gifted to utilize their knowledge of intelligence and talent development to challenge the one-dimensional conception of…

Seeing intelligence as neither strongly hereditary nor necessarily stable over time, and accepting the notion that it is a significant determinant of future occupational status, liberal psychologists and educators rely on the intervention of social institutions, primarily the school. The liberal view toward testing and intelligence is discussed.…

Investigation of infant development among African tribesmen discovered the development of emotional responses follows identical time schedules of youngsters in civilized society. It is suggested that behavioral development is linked to early anatomical changes in the brain. (SL)

An approach to intelligence which emphasizes domain-specific constraints on knowledge structures is compared to information processing approaches. The evaluation of any cognitive ability as being intelligent crucially depends on prior specification of the formal constraints on the domains of knowledge from which that ability originates. (Author/RD)

This description of the Preschool Project focuses on one aspect of research: the effect of his human environment on the child's intellectual development; specifically, the effect of his interaction with his main caregiver. The Preschool Project is described in more complete detail in document PS 006 798. The project is categorized as a natural…

Disparities between European countries and the U.S. in terms of incidence and prevalence of mild mental retardation have become apparent. A model of intellectual performance that might explain disparities and predict future levels of occurrence of mild mental retardation is presented. Such explanations are relevant for theory and policy decisions.…

This paper examines the possibility of accelerating the development of intelligence when applying stringent Piagetian standards to evaluate the effects of short- and long-term intervention or instruction programs. The paper reviews previous Genevan and American research that shows that development can be accelerated by means of only a few…