Explored genetic and environmental etiologies of individual differences in printed word recognition and related skills in identical and fraternal twin 8- to 18-year-olds. Found evidence for moderate genetic influences common between IQ, phoneme awareness, and word-reading skills and for stronger IQ-independent genetic influences that were common…

The study with 100 families found that parents of highly creative adolescents tended to be very interested in their children's behavior but seldom proscribed rules to govern it. Other results suggested the critical importance of environment, the existence of critical periods, and the importance of humor. (DB)

Counters seven myths about multiple intelligences that have arisen since the author's 1993 book "Frames of Mind" was published with seven complementary "realities." Demonstrates some problematic applications of MI theory in schools and praises three positive applications, including cultivation of desired capabilities, varied…

Criticizes claims in "The Bell Curve" that a high value for heritability of intelligence constrains the extent to which environmental changes can increase intelligence. Cites adoption studies and the increasing intelligence of successive cohorts of U.S. children as evidence that intelligence can increase substantially without heroic…

Posits that an evolutionary perspective can unite the study of the typical development for and individual variation within a species and that environments within the normal range for a species are required for species-normal development. Individual differences in children reared in normal environments arise primarily from genetic variation and…

Cites recent research indicating positive aspects of adoption for children. Examples from the life of congressman Jim Lightfoot are used to exemplify these positive aspects, which include increased self-confidence and affection for adoptive parents. (BC)

A psychobiosocial model that is based on the inextricable link between the biological bases of intelligence and environmental events is proposed as an alternative to nature/nurture dichotomies. Societal implications and applications to teaching and learning are suggested. (MMU)

Explores whether evolved disposition that differs by sex or social structure explains sex differences in human behavior. Illustrates the explanatory power of each theory, and reviews a study (D. Buss, 1989) that supports the social structural theory with respect to mate preference. (SLD)

Focuses on the integrity and ethics of Arthur Jensen, while tracing the negative reactions his work on genetic differences in intelligence has evoked. Outlines some other areas in which Jensen has worked and commends his emphasis on honest psychological science. (SLD)

The Flynn effect, documented by a New Zealand political scientist, refers to the fact that average IQ scores have been increasing over time, reflecting the effects of environmental factors. Implications for the measurement of the intelligence of African American children and their educations are discussed. (SLD)

Presents a meta-analytic study based on the assumption that children's cognitive abilities can be both highly heritable and highly malleable. Results show strong support for the idea that early childhood education is a highly effective preventive intervention. Also finds that as preschool intervention intensity increases, so does the magnitude of…

As a response to recent public debate about the nature of intelligence, this article reviews the "state of the art" in the study of intelligence, exploring significant conceptualizations of intelligence, the use and interpretation of intelligence tests, racial or ethnic differences in intelligence, and major issues yet to be resolved.…

Describes higher levels of morality by contrasting Kohlber's Cognitive Developmentalism and Dabrowski's Positive Disintegration. It argues that far from being a gift, high-level morality is a function of the whole person. It is something chosen and striven for, and the result of compassion and some kind of disintegration. (Author/CR)

Examined genetic and environmental contribution to self-reported peer-group characteristics among adoptive and nonadoptive adolescent sibling pairs. Found that although peer preference is influenced, in large part, by nonshared environment factors, genetic influence is present. Substantial genetic influence emerged for college orientation, and…

Examines contemporary research on parental socialization. Highlights research designs that consider inherited, dispositional, and experiential factors in estimating influence. Describes evidence addressing issues of causality regarding the scope and nature of parental influences. Recommends basing conclusions about the significance of parenting on…