Question

Is intelligence a product of heredity or environment? Give reasons in support of your answer.

Answer 1

• Intelligence is a product of both heredity and environment, not of one alone.
• Evidence for hereditary influence comes from twin and adoption studies and correlation studies which show higher similarity in IQ among people who are genetically closer (e.g., identical twins).
• At the same time, environment strongly affects intelligence: studies on adopted children show IQ improving in enriched environments. Factors like good nutrition, education, schooling, stimulation and supportive parental upbringing can raise intellectual performance.