Psychologists' Views on Racial Differences in Intelligence

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Questions and Answers

Why did many psychologists resist the notion of biology playing a role in human personality?

Biology was not considered a relevant factor in shaping human personality until recent years.

Psychologists did not have enough knowledge and resources to understand the biological aspect of personality.

The 'blank slate' view of humankind was appealing, allowing for the molding of an individual's personality through experiences. (correct)

Personality traits such as low self-esteem, pessimism, and neuroticism were difficult to eliminate through biological factors.

What was one reason for psychologists' reluctance to accept the role of biology in shaping human personality?

Insufficient research on the biological aspects of personality

The lack of understanding about genetic heritability

The belief that personality could be formed exclusively by experiences (correct)

The difficulty in quantifying the impact of biology on personality traits

What was the appeal of the 'blank slate' view of humankind?

The understanding of genetic heritability in forming personality traits

The recognition of biological influence on extraversion-introversion traits

The acknowledgment of evolutionary personality theory in mate selection

The potential to mold an individual's personality through experiences (correct)

Why did the 'blank slate' view make it difficult for psychologists to accept the role of biology in personality?

It allowed for the belief that personality was exclusively shaped by experiences Signup and view all the answers

What was the psychologists' notion about the 'blank slate' view of humankind?

It had great appeal due to its potential to mold an individual's personality through experiences Signup and view all the answers

How did the 'blank slate' view impact psychologists' acceptance of biology's role in shaping human personality?

It made psychologists reluctant to accept biology's role in personality formation Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, what shapes personality?

Both genetics and environment Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT mentioned as influencing adult intelligence and cognitive abilities?

Social media Signup and view all the answers

What does the research on heritability of personality traits indicate?

Both genetics and environment contribute to shaping personality traits Signup and view all the answers

Which theory includes research on extraversion-introversion and its influence on happiness and preferred library seating?

Hans Eysenck's theory of personality Signup and view all the answers

What does the debate surrounding the role of biology in personality development raise concerns about?

Limiting possibilities for change and potential offensive interpretations Signup and view all the answers

What were some people historically using biological determinants to argue against?

Social programs Signup and view all the answers

Which method do researchers reliant on less direct methods use to understand the environment-genetics question?

Studying the similarities between parents and children Signup and view all the answers

Which method provides additional evidence for genetic influence on personality?

Using twin studies to separate twins at birth and raise them in different households Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between genetics and personality formation according to the text?

Genetics have a weak influence on personality formation Signup and view all the answers

Why do identical twins tend to be similar in personality even when raised apart?

Because they are genetically identical Signup and view all the answers

What may potentially skew the environmental comparison between MZ and DZ twins?

Parents treating identical twins as one unit Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential issue with assumptions made in twin-study research according to the text?

Accurate identification of MZ and DZ twins Signup and view all the answers

Why do adopted children resemble their biological mothers more than their adoptive parents in terms of personality scores?

Due to the influence of genetics Signup and view all the answers

What role do adoptions play in the formation of adult personalities according to the text?

They introduce similar environmental influences on personality for twins Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential issue with other procedures used to study the influence of genetics on personality according to the text?

The reliance on questionable assumptions Signup and view all the answers

How do identical twins raised apart tend to be in terms of personality, according to the text?

Similar despite different environments Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential impact of parents treating identical twins as one unit, as mentioned in the text?

Skewing the environmental comparison between MZ and DZ twins Signup and view all the answers

How do adoptions introduce similar environmental influences on personality for twins, according to the text?

By providing similar environmental influences for twins Signup and view all the answers

What is a consequence of assumptions in twin-study research according to the text?

Inaccurate identification of MZ and DZ twins Signup and view all the answers

What do psychologists argue about inherent racial differences in intelligence?

They strongly disagree with the idea Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, what influences intelligence?

Both genetics and environment Signup and view all the answers

What do adoption studies indicate about IQ scores?

They suggest that environment plays a role in shaping IQ scores Signup and view all the answers

How have preschool and educational opportunities impacted IQ scores of White and Black students?

They have narrowed the gap between White and Black students' IQ scores Signup and view all the answers

What is the criticism of intelligence tests mentioned in the text?

They are biased towards certain cultures Signup and view all the answers

What do twin studies demonstrate about genetic influences on personality traits?

They demonstrate that genetics play a major role in shaping personality traits Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the stability in adult personalities can be attributed to genetic influences?

40% Signup and view all the answers

What do adoption studies suggest about the heritability of personality?

They suggest that the heritability of personality is less than what twin studies suggest Signup and view all the answers

In a twin study, what is the purpose of comparing similarities in personality traits between MZ and DZ twins?

To identify the genetic influence on personality traits Signup and view all the answers

What does a higher correlation in personality trait scores between MZ twins compared to DZ twins suggest?

A potential genetic influence on the personality trait Signup and view all the answers

What was the controversial claim made by psychologist Arthur Jensen?

Black Americans might be genetically less intelligent than Whites Signup and view all the answers

What did Herrnstein and Murray argue in 'The Bell Curve' regarding intelligence and its inheritance?

Intelligence is largely inherited and educational interventions have limited impact Signup and view all the answers

How did racist groups misuse genetic research on recent evolutionary changes in brain-related genes?

To support claims of genetically based differences in intelligence among racial groups Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the twin-study method in psychology?

To separate the influence of genetics and environment on traits Signup and view all the answers

What do identical twins (MZ) have in common that distinguishes them from dizygotic twins (DZ)?

Identical genetic makeup Signup and view all the answers

What was the implication of connecting intelligence and race as suggested by Herrnstein and Murray's work?

Efforts to improve educational opportunities for African Americans might be futile Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, which personality dimension is the most heritability-studied trait?

Extraversion-Introversion (E-I) Signup and view all the answers

What type of twins share identical genes and identical combinations of genes influencing personality, according to the text?

Identical twins Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, what does Eysenck's theory of preference for arousal suggest about introverts and extraverts?

Introverts require less stimulation to reach optimal arousal levels than extraverts Signup and view all the answers

What does the text imply about a person's E-I status, according to the text?

It remains constant and cannot be easily changed Signup and view all the answers

Which methodological and technological developments are mentioned in the text in relation to uncovering connections between DNA markers and personality traits?

New methodological and technological developments Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant role in determining whether someone is introverted or extraverted, according to Eysenck's advocacy?

Genetics Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, what role do adoptions play in the formation of adult personalities?

They introduce similar environmental influences on personality for twins Signup and view all the answers

What does the debate surrounding the role of biology in personality development raise concerns about, as mentioned in the text?

The potential impact of genetics on personality development Signup and view all the answers

Which theory includes research on extraversion-introversion and its influence on happiness and preferred library seating?

Eysenck's theory of preference for arousal Signup and view all the answers

What factor is NOT mentioned as influencing adult intelligence and cognitive abilities, based on the text?

Educational institutions Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, what type of study area do extraverts prefer?

Study area with long tables, sofas, and easy chairs Signup and view all the answers

What is the main factor that largely determines an individual's placement on the extraversion–introversion continuum?

Genetic hand dealt many years ago Signup and view all the answers

What does the text imply about individuals' ability to exhibit characteristics opposite to their typical E-I status?

It is likely at times despite their typical status Signup and view all the answers

According to Eysenck's theory, what type of study area would introverts prefer?

Study area with one-person desks and isolation Signup and view all the answers

What does the text state about the environmental influences on an individual's placement on the extraversion–introversion continuum?

They play a minor role compared to genetics Signup and view all the answers

What do the preferred study areas in the library mentioned in the text reflect about individuals' E-I status?

They reflect preferences based on E-I status Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, what drives the preferences for romantic partners based on Evolutionary Personality Theory?

Concerns for parental investment Signup and view all the answers

What does Research support based on the text about men and women's mate preferences?

They have different mate preferences Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of the trend where most couples consist of an older husband and a younger wife?

It aligns with men's preferences for partners with high reproductive value Signup and view all the answers

What do Women seek in their preferred partners based on the information provided?

Older, physically attractive partners Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, what drives men's mate preferences?

Concerns for parental investment Signup and view all the answers

What do men describe themselves as based on the information provided?

Financially secure and seeking older partners Signup and view all the answers

What do Women describe themselves as based on the information provided?

Physically attractive and seeking older partners Signup and view all the answers

Based on Evolutionary Personality Theory, what are women predicted to seek in their partners?

Stability and commitment Signup and view all the answers

What do Men seek in their preferred partners based on Evolutionary Personality Theory?

Youthful companionship Signup and view all the answers

What role do men and women have according to Evolutionary Personality Theory?

Different mate preferences Signup and view all the answers

What does Evolutionary Personality Theory suggest about men's preferences?

They prefer younger, physically attractive partners with high reproductive value Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, which gender is more likely to rate physical attractiveness as a desirable trait in a marriage partner?

Men Signup and view all the answers

What tactic do women use to emphasize their physical attractiveness when trying to attract a male partner?

Wearing revealing and sexier clothes Signup and view all the answers

According to the evolutionary interpretation in the text, what are men seeking in younger women?

Fertility Signup and view all the answers

What color do women tend to wear on high-fertility days to attract potential partners?

Red or pink Signup and view all the answers

What do men make more efforts to do when their partner is physically attractive, as per the text?

Maintain relationships Signup and view all the answers

Which factor do women emphasize during economic downturns to make themselves more attractive, according to the text?

Cosmetics Signup and view all the answers

What do men prefer in terms of age when it comes to marriage partners, as per the text?

Younger partners Signup and view all the answers

In which area do men tend to marry younger women across various cultures, according to the text?

Various cultures Signup and view all the answers

What does the evolutionary interpretation suggest about gender differences in partner preferences?

'Gender differences' exist in partner preferences Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, what are men seeking in younger women based on an evolutionary interpretation?

Physical attractiveness Signup and view all the answers

What do women do on high-fertility days to attract potential partners?

Wear red or pink and flirt with attractive men Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of adopting children on adult personalities according to the text?

It leads to conflicting influences on adult personalities Signup and view all the answers

What type of environment do extraverts prefer, according to the text?

Noisy, open areas Signup and view all the answers

How do introverts typically find noisy environments, based on the text?

Distracting Signup and view all the answers

What do researchers find about the relationship between extraversion and happiness, as per the text?

Extraverts report higher levels of happiness than introverts Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about the influence of extraversion on learning tasks?

Extraverts perform worse on listening exercises when tasks are less challenging Signup and view all the answers

What is the impact of high levels of stimulation on introverts, according to the text?

Introverts perform worse when exposed to high levels of stimulation Signup and view all the answers

How do pleasant distractions like music affect introverts trying to concentrate on difficult tasks, according to the text?

Even pleasant distractions like music can be too much for introverts trying to concentrate on difficult tasks Signup and view all the answers

How do extraverts and introverts lead different lives, according to the text?

Extraverts are more active and social while introverts are more likely to spend time alone Signup and view all the answers

What can extraversion scores predict, based on the text?

The number of pleasant experiences people would have over the next four years Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about the relationship between extraversion and happiness in different cultures?

'The relationship between extraversion and happiness varies from culture to culture' Signup and view all the answers

What can high levels of stimulation do to extraverts, as per the text's findings?

High levels of stimulation can make extraverts become bored easily. Signup and view all the answers

What does the text imply about introverts' sensitivity to stimulation?

Introverts are more sensitive to stimulation than extraverts. Signup and view all the answers

What do researchers find about the performance of extraverts in visual learning tasks, as per the text?

Extraverts press buttons faster in visual learning tasks. Signup and view all the answers

In the study by Buss (1989) mentioned in the text, what do negative values in the Mean Age Difference in Years between Preferred Age of First Marriage for Spouse and for Self indicate?

A preference for a younger mate Signup and view all the answers

Based on the study by Buss (1989), what did the women in all 37 cultures express as their preference for a partner's age?

Older partner Signup and view all the answers

What did the study by Buss (1989) find about the importance placed on physical attractiveness when selecting a mate?

Men were more likely than women to say that good looks are important Signup and view all the answers

What do the findings of the study by Buss (1989) suggest about the preference for youthful and physically attractive partners?

It appears to be fairly universal despite cultural differences Signup and view all the answers

What do positive values in the Mean Age Difference in Years between Preferred Age of First Marriage for Spouse and for Self indicate, based on the study by Buss (1989)?

A preference for an older mate Signup and view all the answers

According to the study by Buss (1989), what did men's preferences imply about the age of their preferred spouses?

Men generally prefer younger spouses than themselves Signup and view all the answers

What did women's preferences imply about the age of their preferred spouses, based on the study by Buss (1989)?

Women generally prefer older spouses than themselves Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the study by Buss (1989), what do the findings about men's preferences for physical attractiveness suggest?

Men across different cultures share a similar emphasis on physical attractiveness Signup and view all the answers

What did the study by Buss (1989) reveal about women's preferences for physical attractiveness?

Physical attractiveness is not a significant factor for women in mate selection Signup and view all the answers

What did the study by Buss (1989) indicate about cultural differences in men's preference for younger mates?

Cultural differences do not significantly impact men's preference for younger mates Signup and view all the answers

According to the study by Buss (1989), what did cultural differences imply about women's preference for older partners?

Cultural differences do not significantly impact women's preference for older partners Signup and view all the answers

What does the research suggest about the correlation between extraversion and happiness in cultures where acting extraverted is consistent with the cultural norm?

The correlation between extraversion and happiness is higher in such cultures. Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential effect of high levels of extraversion in a country, according to the text?

Higher average sense of well-being of citizens. Signup and view all the answers

What does the research suggest about the relationship between genetics and personality formation?

Genetics has a significant influence on personality formation. Signup and view all the answers

How did the research find genetics to be related to the stability of adult personalities?

Predicted higher levels of well-being and life satisfaction when measured at different ages. Signup and view all the answers

What does the text imply about the relationship between extraversion and coping with stress?

Friends serve as a buffer against stress for extraverts. Signup and view all the answers

What do the findings suggest about the relationship between social contact and well-being?

Social contact is closely linked to feelings of well-being. Signup and view all the answers

What do researchers find about the difference in positive moods between extraverts and introverts?

Extraverts experience more positive moods compared to introverts. Signup and view all the answers

'Acting impulsively can lead to problem behaviors and poor decision-making' implies:

Impulsive behavior can have negative consequences. Signup and view all the answers

What does the text imply about the relationship between rewards and extraversion?

Extraverts are more sensitive to rewards and enjoy pursuing rewards more than introverts. Signup and view all the answers

What does the research suggest about the link between extraversion and alcohol-related problems?

Extraverts are linked to problems with alcohol and impulsivity. Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion can be drawn about the influence of genetics on happiness based on the text?

There is a significant genetic influence on happiness. Signup and view all the answers

According to evolutionary personality psychologists, what characteristics do women prefer in their partners?

Dependable, good earning capacity, ambitious, and career-oriented Signup and view all the answers

What did other investigations find women to be more interested in than men, based on the text?

Socioeconomic status and ambitiousness Signup and view all the answers

In a study mentioned in the text, what did more women than men say would upset them about their partner?

Inability to hold a good job Signup and view all the answers

What was identified as an attractive characteristic in spouses by married couples according to Buss & Barnes (1986)?

Dependable, ambitious, and career-oriented Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of women's preferences for their partners according to Evolutionary Personality Theory?

Social status and ambition Signup and view all the answers

According to research, what are women worldwide found to prefer in men?

Financial prospects Signup and view all the answers

What did the study by Jensen-Campbell et al. (1995) find about helpful and generous men in relationships?

They are more appealing for both short-term and long-term relationships Signup and view all the answers

What do women prefer in men based on the findings from various cultures?

Financial resources and stability Signup and view all the answers

According to Evolutionary Personality Theory, what do women prioritize in men?

Financial prospects Signup and view all the answers

What is consistent with the evolutionary perspective on mate selection based on the text?

Women prioritize men who can provide resources and stability Signup and view all the answers

What did Buss & Shackelford (1997) find about men's interest in displaying characteristics to attract partners?

Men compete for desirable partners by showing off financial resources Signup and view all the answers

What do women worldwide prioritize in men according to Evolutionary Personality Theory?

Good financial prospects Signup and view all the answers

What do evolutionary personality psychologists argue for regarding the influence of instincts in romantic partner preferences?

Instincts may not be the sole determinant of romantic partner preferences Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, what is a well-researched aspect of personality theory with a large heritability component?

Extraversion Signup and view all the answers

What do evolutionary personality psychologists predict men and women look for in their romantic partners based on reproductive strategies?

Men seek physically attractive partners, and women seek resourceful partners Signup and view all the answers

What does the cumulative evidence from twin studies argue for regarding adult personality?

Adult personality has a significant heritability component Signup and view all the answers

What do studies on heterosexual mating choices form the basis of in evolutionary personality theory?

The reproductive strategies of men and women Signup and view all the answers

What does the text imply about the role of instincts in determining romantic partner preferences?

Instincts may not be the sole determinant of romantic partner preferences Signup and view all the answers

What does the text suggest about the relationship between genetic influences and personality traits?

Genetic influences significantly contribute to personality traits Signup and view all the answers

According to the text, what do evolutionary personality psychologists argue for regarding men and women's preferences for romantic partners?

Men tend to prefer younger and physically attractive women, while women prefer resourceful partners for child-rearing Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential impact of parents treating identical twins as one unit, as mentioned in the text?

It underestimates the role of genetic influences on personality traits Signup and view all the answers

What do adoption studies suggest about the heritability of personality?

Personality traits have a significant heritability component according to adoption studies Signup and view all the answers

Based on Evolutionary Personality Theory, what do men seek in their preferred partners?

Physically attractive and younger partners Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Genetics play a role in the formation of adult personalities, as shown by studies comparing the personalities of adopted children with those of their biological mothers and adoptive parents.
The children resemble their biological mothers more than their adoptive parents in terms of personality scores.
However, the relationship between genetics and personality formation is weaker than suggested by twin-study data.
Twin studies using methods such as separating twins at birth and raising them in different households provide additional evidence for genetic influence on personality.
Identical twins, even when raised apart, tend to be similar in personality.
Researchers making assumptions in twin-study research include the accurate identification of MZ and DZ twins and the assumption of equal environments for both types of twins.
Adoptions are not random events and may introduce similar environmental influences on personality for twins.
Parents may treat identical twins as one unit and emphasize their differences, potentially skewing the environmental comparison between MZ and DZ twins.
Other procedures used to study the influence of genetics on personality also rely on questionable assumptions.
Extraversion-Introversion (E-I) is a prominent personality dimension, often easily identified after a short interaction with someone.
Extraversion is the most heritability-studied personality trait.
Twin studies suggest a higher genetic influence on personality than other methods due to nonadditive gene effects.
MZ twins share identical genes and identical combinations of genes influencing personality, while DZ twins may not.
Nonadditive gene effects show up in identical twins but not fraternal twins.
Extraversion-Introversion is linked to heritability research, specifically in relation to Hans Eysenck's theory of preference for arousal.
Online researchers have found that extraversion is the most accurately perceived personality dimension.
Eysenck's theory of preference for arousal suggests introverts require less stimulation to reach optimal arousal levels than extraverts.
A question addressed in the text is whether introverts or extraverts are happier.
Eysenck advocated that genetics plays a significant role in determining whether someone is introverted or extraverted.
Introverts and extraverts may receive advice to act differently from others based on their personality type.
The text implies that a person's E-I status can't be easily changed, and parents might have different expectations for adopted children.
Researchers are using new methodological and technological developments to uncover connections between DNA markers and personality traits.
Despite ongoing research, the influence of genetics on adult personalities is still an open question.
Extraverts generally experience more happiness than introverts (Srivastava, Angelo, & Vallereux, 2008; Diener, 1984).
Extraverts tend to have more social contacts and interact with them more frequently (Srivastava, Angelo, & Vallereux, 2008).
Social contact is closely linked to feelings of well-being, as it satisfies many basic needs such as social competence and worthiness (Smillie et al., 2015).
Friends serve as a buffer against stress and help extraverts cope with problems better than handling situations alone (Amirkhan et al., 1995; Zelenski et al., 2012).
Extraverts are more sensitive to rewards and enjoy the pursuit of rewards more than introverts (Oerlemans & Bakker, 2014; Rusting & Larsen, 1998; Smillie et al., 2012).
Extraverts are more likely to seek out tasks that make them happy and find rewards in situations where introverts don't see them (Tamir, 2009; Noguchi et al., 2006; Rusting, 1999).
Extraverts are linked to problems with alcohol and impulsivity (Fairbairn et al., 2015; Grekin et al., 2006; Hill et al., 2000; Emmons & Diener, 1986).
Acting impulsively can lead to problem behaviors and poor decision-making (Emmons & Diener, 1986).
Research indicates that the correlation between extraversion and happiness is higher in cultures where acting extraverted is consistent with the cultural norm (Fulmer et al., 2010).
High levels of extraversion are related to higher levels of overall psychological well-being (Kokko et al., 2013).
Measuring participants' extraversion at age 16 and again at age 26 predicted higher levels of well-being and life satisfaction when contacted decades later (Gale et al., 2013).
The higher the average extraversion score in a country, the higher the average citizens' sense of well-being (Steel & Ones, 2002).
Extraverts experience more positive moods and happier feelings overall compared to introverts (Larsen & Kasimatis, 1990).
Research on men's and women's preferences for romantic partners suggests men tend to prefer younger and physically attractive women, while women look for a partner with material resources for child-rearing.
However, causal relationships are difficult to test due to limitations in manipulating variables like gender and physical attractiveness.
Alternative explanations for these findings include differences in maturity levels between men and women and the impact of cultural norms.
Evolutionary personality psychologists argue for the influence of instincts, but findings from studies often contradict their predictions.
Instincts may not be the sole determinant of romantic partner preferences, as mutual love and affection and gender equality can also play a significant role.
Exceptions to the rule exist, and the analysis does not apply to all individuals or sexual orientations.
Extraversion-introversion is a well-researched aspect of personality theory, with a large heritability component.
Extraverts seek stimulating environments and are generally happier than introverts, according to research.
Evolutionary personality theory predicts men and women look for different partner features based on reproductive strategies.
Men's preference for physical attractiveness and younger partners, women's preference for resourceful partners, may be universal based on cross-cultural research.
The cumulative evidence from twin studies argues for a significant heritability component in adult personality.
Evolutionary personality theory assumes innate differences between men and women, but learned preferences also develop significantly.
Studies on heterosexual mating choices form the basis of evolutionary personality theory, but the analysis may not apply to all individuals or sexual orientations.
Women past their reproductive years and older men seeking intimate relationships but not raising families may not fit the analysis.

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Explore psychologists' perspectives on racial differences in intelligence and their stance on the influence of nature and environment on intelligence levels. Learn about research findings and the debate surrounding this topic.