Discussion

The effect of adverse environmental influence (e.g. domestic violence, malnutrition) on IQ is devastating. How can we take advantage of the findings to improve? First, researchers can keep on identifying environment factors that lowered IQ. Second, based on proved IQ-increasing environment factors, the society can develop enriching programs for kids. Alternatively, parents can provide such an environment.

The twin studies prove genetics is the dominant driving force of IQ. This means the notion: the mind of a newborn infant is a tabula (blank slate) by John Locke may be a weak point.

There are defeats, which in turn become limitations, of IQ studies. I will list out two. The first one is longitudinal studies (studies that follow individuals over time) versus cross-sectional studies (studies have different age groups). The second one is that different studies administrate different IQ tests and/or use only parts of them. To carry out good psychological researches mean we have to eliminate these flaws. But can they be eliminated?

The fact that I do a project on IQ seems to make it very important that one has high IQ. But we should bear in mind that, there are other traits we should process, other than exceptional IQ, in order to succeed in any field. However, one should not use this as a reason to say that IQ studies are a waste because it does have value.