Addresses concerns raised in Neale's commentary regarding the Bussell et al. (1999) Nonshared Environment in Adolescent Development study. Discussion of assumptions focuses on those most relevant to study sample. Because Neale's proposed alternative models did not provide a better fit, the appropriateness of Bussell's model and importance of…

Although it is difficult to ascertain precisely the time at which the study of individual differences became recognized as a specialty within the psychological sciences, there appears to be much agreement among historians that its development was fostered primarily within the United States during the late 19th century. This paper examines the…

This chapter argues for the value of sibling research in addressing behavioral genetic issues on the etiology of individual differences. The goal of the report is to provide a set of simple and practical examples of sibling analyses in order to highlight the importance of incorporating siblings in future research. It begins with a discussion of…

The effort to strengthen the critical thinking skills of students in the last two decades has led to an abundance of instructional programs instituted across disciplines and integrated into core curricular requirements at United States colleges and universities. There is no theoretical consensus about what critical thinking is; neither is there a…

IQ tests and intelligence were discussed from an evolutionary perspective and implications concerning legal decisions and social policy were presented. It was concluded that disproportionate social and economic benefits need not result from the use of IQ tests in the selection of educational and occupational elites. (RD)

Criticizes the use of new biological theories of human behavior to inform educational policy. Discusses a study by Benbow and Stanley on differential math performance by boys and girls, to illustrate problems inherent in attempts to link a biological substrate with human achievement. (Author/GC)

An approach to intelligence which emphasizes domain-specific constraints on knowledge structures is compared to information processing approaches. The evaluation of any cognitive ability as being intelligent crucially depends on prior specification of the formal constraints on the domains of knowledge from which that ability originates. (Author/RD)

The construct of general intelligence is discussed in the context of factor models, differential validity of tests, Piagetian tasks, heritability, social class, and race. The general factor is an abstraction resulting from genes, environmental pressures, and neural structures involved in cognitive or intellectual human behavior. (Author/RD)

Explores the new racism of the intelligence quotient as represented by "The Bell Curve" by R. Herrnstein and C. Murray (1994). Educators must confront the factors that divide Americans to contribute to a multicultural society in which diversity unites rather than divides. (SLD)

Reviews controversies over intelligence and intelligence testing, focusing on impacts on Canadian society in the past century. Discusses eugenics movements and related immigration policies. Suggests that both "tails" of "The Bell Curve" (cognitive elite and underclass) are influenced by inaccurate methods, and that the middle…

Describes the interdisciplinary research of Myrtle B. McGraw; examines the controversy about McGraw's concept of critical period; and assesses her impact on current research. McGraw contended that the overlapping phases involved in neuromuscular integration demonstrate that learning and maturation interact during development. (BC)

The author recounts his experiences investigating alleged fraud by Cyril Burt (1976) in his work on the genetic foundations of human intelligence. The evidence fails to prove Burt guilty, and his assertions about the genetic factors of individual differences in intelligence are finding corroboration in contemporary psychology. (SLD)

Responds to this issue's initial article that presents 22 sequentially structured statements on the nature and origin of human abilities, gifts, and talents. Suggests putting aside the terms "gifted" and "talented," creating a hierarchical or categorical list of abilities, and downplaying the dichotomous conceptualization of nature and nurture.…

Outlines what developmentalists can do with genes associated with behavioral dimensions and disorders once they are found. Suggests that genes can be used to answer questions about developmental continuities, psychopathological patterns such as heterogeneity and comoribidty, and environmental-risk mechanisms informed by studies of gene/environment…

E. Paul Torrance believed that creativity, like other skills, could be taught. His test to assess creativity is described. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi believes that the right combination of personal characteristics and encouraging environment produces creativity, and that children cannot be taught creativity. The adventure process creates an…