Influential Factors of Human Intelligence

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Human intelligence is an enigma that continues to intrigue scientists around the world after its inception with the creation of humanity. Human intelligence is defined by the Encyclopedia Britannica as the “mental quality that consists of the abilities to learn from experience, adapt to new situations, understand and handle abstract concepts, and use knowledge to manipulate ones environment”. (“Human intelligence”) In order to evaluate human intelligence, we must quantify human intelligence. The intelligence quotient, also known as IQ, is a measure of cognitive ability. The general factor, which is abbreviated as the g factor, is also a measure of cognitive ability. The g factor may be obtained by isolating elements of an IQ test through a sequence of tests to provide a more specific measure of intelligence. Human intelligence is influenced by two factors, nature and nurture. Nature and nurture are both important factors that shape human intelligence. However, one has a more significant effect than the other. It is imperative to recognize the more important factor of the two in order to better understand intelligence and its development. By evaluating the factors in depth, we become closer to identifying what causes individuals to succeed and what causes individuals to fail. We become a step closer to identifying and preventing stimuli causing failure and we become a step closer in identifying and promoting stimuli causing success, whether it be inherited or learned.

As humans, we differ in our ability to learn, but no matter the differences the mere fact of our capacity to apply what we learn when required sets us apart from all other species. We apply our innate cognitive abilities to ponder the unknown to reach theories, whi...

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...both occur simultaneously, thus this research is aimed to increase an understanding of the intelligence and the factors that play part in its existence. This is a request for access to university resources to conduct this research. This research will be conducted in order to isolate one of the two factors as of greater importance, thus will become a point of direction in which researching intelligence may yield more fruitful results.

Works Cited

“Human Intelligence.” Encylopaedia Britannica. Encylopaedia Britannica Online. Encylopaedia Britannica Inc., 2012. Web. 7 Mar. 2012.

< http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/289766/human-intelligence>

Onkal, Rustem. ‘Nature vs. Nurture’ Debate. Neuroscience of Intelligence. Macalester College. 2004-2005. Web. 9 Feb. 2012. .

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