Where Does Intelligence Come From?

After our readings in the text, it is evident that Psychologists have debated the best way to define intelligence and they have struggled to perfect the method of testing intelligence.  These theories and tests, however, have been accepted for the most part and have become a crucial factor in shaping modern day society.  Our understanding of intelligence has been limited though by the continuing debate over where intelligence comes from- nature (genetics) or nurture (our environment).  The following web investigation will help explore the history of this issue.

"It is better for all the world, if instead of waiting to execute degenerate offspring for crime or to let them starve for their imbecility, society can prevent those who are manifestly unfit from continuing their kind...
Three generations of imbeciles are enough.”

Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. in Buck v. Bell

Directions:

Go to the designated website and answer the corresponding questions on your handout.  I

Go to: Eugenics in Virginia

Go to: Nature vs. Nurture History