हिंदी

Determinants of Intelligence - Environmental Factors

Topics

Introduction
Environmental Influence
Research Findings
Flowchart: Environmental Factors
Real-Life Application
Key Points: Environmental Factors

CISCE: Class 12

Introduction

Intelligence, or the ability to learn and solve problems, is shaped by both hereditary (genetic) and environmental (surroundings, education, upbringing) factors.

CISCE: Class 12

Environmental Influence

A child in a stimulating environment with good nutrition, education, and emotional support can achieve higher intellectual development within their genetic limit.
Schools, home conditions, and parental attitudes all matter.
Studies: Children adopted from deprived homes into better environments show significant IQ gains.

CISCE: Class 12

Research Findings

CISCE: Class 12

Flowchart: Environmental Factors

CISCE: Class 12

Real-Life Application

A child from a deprived background starts doing better in school, both academically and socially, after entering an enriched, stimulating classroom environment.

CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Environmental Factors

Indian Studies: Intelligence scores differ by caste and SES; richer children score higher.
Culture: Culture shapes abilities—e.g., Ceylonese students excel in verbal tasks due to cultural focus.
Sex Differences: Boys do better on spatial tasks; girls on verbal and memory tasks; overall I.Q. is similar.
Health: Good health supports intelligence; maternal nutrition matters more than childhood diet.
Family Size: More siblings = slightly lower I.Q., especially in low-income families.
Social Deprivation: Long-term exposure to poor environments lowers I.Q.; enriched settings boost intelligence.
Socio-economic Status: Higher SES = better I.Q. due to more learning resources and stimulation.
Heredity vs Environment: Heredity sets limits, but environment shapes development within that range.