Hereditary Factors> Jensen’s Theory

Arthur Jensen (1969) was a psychologist known for his work on intelligence. He argued that intelligence is largely shaped by heredity (genes), with environment playing a lesser role. His theory, sometimes referred to as the “hierarchical model,” is and was highly debated.

• Project Head Start:
  Jensen analyzed an educational program designed to enhance the intelligence of underprivileged children. He concluded it had little long-term effect.

• 80/20 Influence:
  Jensen believed 80% of intelligence is hereditary and about 20% comes from environmental factors.

• IQ Group Differences:
  He claimed group IQ variations (across race/class) were largely hereditary, shaped over generations by social and living conditions.

Two Levels of Cognitive Ability:

• Level I (Associative learning):
  Involves rote learning and memory; the output is similar to the input.
  Example: Memorizing multiplication tables.

• Level II (Cognitive competence):
  Involves higher-order reasoning, problem-solving, and abstract thought- output transforms input.
  Example: Solving mathematical word problems or logical puzzles.

• Psychologists objected, asserting that culture and environment have a large effect.
• Compensatory programs improved intelligence in places like Israel (when well organized).
• The current consensus is that both heredity and environment interact to determine intelligence.

Growing intelligence is like planting a seed:

• Seed type (heredity): An Apple seed can only grow into an apple tree.
• Soil, water, sunlight (environment): Determine how well the tree grows and how many apples it produces.

• Theory Overview: Arthur Jensen proposed that intelligence is mostly hereditary (80%), with only 20% influenced by environment.
• Two Levels:
• Level I: Basic memory/rote learning (e.g., recalling facts).
• Level II: Advanced reasoning and problem-solving (e.g., solving puzzles).
• Model View: Intelligence works in a hierarchical structure, where Level II builds on Level I.
• Criticism: Many psychologists disagreed, emphasizing that environment and culture play a bigger role than Jensen claimed.
• Real-Life Analogy: Intelligence is like a seed (heredity) that needs good soil and care (environment) to reach its full potential.