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Genetics In Relation To IQ and
Intelligence
The genetic structure is the foundation
for all of our phenotypic and physiological mannerisms. This
phenotype also extends to create the foundation of our mental
structure as well, including the basis for the starting
IQ and intelligence level. However, the interesting debate is
to whether this genetic structure means that we are locked in
through our genes to have a certain maximum IQ, or whether we
can still increase our intelligence quotient beyond
the genetic parameters.
It appears that we can influence
significantly beyond our genes. For example, IQ is affected
significantly by a person's environment during childhood. If
the child happened to have a good level of schooling, a
healthy diet and plenty of room for exercise and lifestyle
choices, the IQ of the child and person would tend to be
higher. In some studies, it is estimated that a child's IQ can
be influenced by as much as 30 points through simply factors
like playing with the child, food and sleep. This is the case
even if the child's starting IQ is particularly low. For
example, a child with a starting IQ of 80, can reach an IQ of
120 simply through behavioural and nutritional
modifications. Notable studies which confirm
this include the Milwaukee and Glenwood Projects.
On the other hand, as the child becomes
an adult, the rate of intelligence gains from simple
nutritional and behavioural modifications tends to
decrease. This is perhaps due to the entrenchment of the
physiology on the approach to adulthood. In this
case, the manipulation of the entrenched situation is
what is needed to boost the mental abilities.
For
example, education to maintain mental agility has long
been a common way to increase intelligence. Those who have a
good education will tend to have an IQ 10-15 points higher
than those who do not.
Other notable studies include
those done by Southern State University as to the rate of
intelligence gains arising from techniques in "The Complete
Guide To Genius". IQ gains were measured to be 20-25 points
from 35 hours worth of practice. This gain arose through
a manipulation of the entrenched physiology which is created
by the genetic structure. As such, the genes are not a defining
line for the level of intelligence enjoyed by the
individual.
To conclude, the role of genetics in
intelligence is a small one. The significant factors to
influence one's intelligence are the upbringing during
childhood, and then the way the intelligence level is
used during adult life. Genetics on its own is only a starting
point, but not a limiting one as such.
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