Question 1

Which of the following findings from twin and adoption studies provides the strongest evidence for a hereditary influence on intelligence?

Accepted Answer

Identical twins reared apart have more similar IQs than fraternal twins reared together.

Question 2

A psychologist is studying the impact of early educational enrichment on long-term cognitive outcomes. Which real-world project provides the best evidence that such interventions can have lasting effects into adulthood?

Accepted Answer

The Abecedarian project, which showed higher IQ and academic achievement in children who received enriched daycare.

Question 3

According to the concept of 'reaction range' in intelligence, which of the following statements is most accurate?

Accepted Answer

A stimulating environment can move a child's IQ toward the upper end of their genetically determined range.

Question 4

Which of the following best describes the Flynn effect?

Accepted Answer

IQ scores have increased across all racial and ethnic groups over the past century.

Question 5

A child is able to understand that another person can hold a false belief about a situation. This demonstrates the development of which cognitive ability?

Accepted Answer

Theory of mind, specifically the false-belief principle.

Question 6

Which of the following is a key criticism of Piaget’s view of preschool children’s cognitive abilities?

Accepted Answer

Children are less egocentric than Piaget believed and can distinguish between appearance and reality in some tasks.

Question 7

Which of the following best illustrates Vygotsky’s concept of the zone of proximal development?

Accepted Answer

A parent helps a child solve a puzzle that the child could not complete alone but can do with guidance.

Question 8

Which of the following is NOT a family interaction associated with higher IQ scores in children?

Accepted Answer

Parents who rarely talk to their children or use simple, non-descriptive language.

Question 9

A researcher finds that the average IQ difference between two groups falls within the presumed reaction range for inherited intelligence. What does this suggest about the source of the group difference?

Accepted Answer

Environmental factors likely play a significant role in the observed group difference.

Question 10

Which of the following statements about early childhood intelligence tests is supported by research?

Accepted Answer

Scores on early childhood intelligence tests are predictive of later school performance.

Question 11

A child from a low-income family attends an enrichment preschool program starting in infancy. According to research, which of the following outcomes is most likely?

Accepted Answer

The child will have higher IQ and academic achievement scores compared to similar children who did not attend the program.

Question 12

Which of the following best explains why the Flynn effect challenges purely genetic explanations of intelligence?

Accepted Answer

IQ scores have increased across generations, suggesting environmental and cultural changes play a role.

Question 13

Which of the following is a real-world implication of the finding that IQs of adopted children are better predicted from the IQs of their biological parents than their adoptive parents?

Accepted Answer

Genetic factors have a strong influence on intelligence, but environment still matters.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the relationship between heredity and environment in determining intelligence?

Accepted Answer

Both heredity and environment interact to influence intelligence, with environment able to shift IQ within a genetically determined range.

Question 15

A teacher wants to help her students develop reading and writing skills. According to research, which activity would be most effective?

Accepted Answer

Engaging children in word play to develop awareness of sound patterns.

Question 16

Which of the following is a common misconception about group differences in IQ scores?

Accepted Answer

Group differences are entirely due to genetic factors, ignoring the role of environment.

Question 17

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'fast-mapping' in language development?

Accepted Answer

A child quickly learns the meaning of a new word after hearing it only once.

Question 18

Which of the following is a likely long-term consequence of child abuse, according to research?

Accepted Answer

Negative effects across all domains of development, including cognitive, emotional, and social.

Question 19

A psychologist is evaluating a preschool child’s cognitive abilities. According to Piaget, which of the following is most likely true?

Accepted Answer

The child may be egocentric and lack understanding of conservation.

Question 20

Which of the following best summarizes the main goal of enrichment programs like Head Start?

Accepted Answer

To provide disadvantaged children with intellectual stimulation and prepare them for school success.

Individual and Group Differences in Intelligence: Nature, Nurture, and Developmental Influences

Study Guide - Practice Questions

Study Guide - Flashcards