Psychology

Intelligence is said to be the capacity of our rational mind to consolidate and evaluate external stimuli by integrating sensory input with our memory and our programming (Intelligence). An individuals intelligence can be acquired as well as influenced in a variety of ways. All individuals are born with a certain level of intelligence. That level is influenced or determined by the individuals genetic makeup and is considered to be a hereditary intelligence. As individuals grow, their intelligence is further influenced by the environment that surrounds them on a daily basis.

In the article Effects of Heredity and Environment on Intelligence authors T.M. McDevitt and J.E. Ormrod conclude that ones intelligence or in this case ones IQ score correlates with the measures of information processing speed within one brain (McDevitt and Ormrod). Furthermore, process depends on neurological efficiency and maturation, which are genetically controlled (McDevitt and Ormrod). For instance, a child born with a genetic defect will have a lower IQ than hisher peers with no genetic defects. The intelligence level the child is born with is in a sense genetically controlled and hereditarily influenced.

The childs intelligence has in a way been predetermined however, could it be possible to change the intelligence level through environmental influences It would seem that outside forces such as special teachers, training, and even some medical procedures could actually increase the childs level of understanding. At the same time, the childs level of understanding could also be influenced in a negative way in that the intelligence level could actually decrease. If the child were to be placed in a room all day without any kind of nurturing care, training, etc. then heshe could actually lose capabilities of intelligence. It is best to conclude that hereditary influences on intelligence actually predetermine an individuals level of understanding while environmental influences can actually change an individuals level of understanding.