Effects of environment on IQ?

Brock Anwar: Many research papers and books have been written on this subject. Environment has been found to account for 25% of the variance of IQ scores and genetics accounts for 25% of the variance. The purpose of IQ was to predict the likelihood a person would complete a course of education. Thus, those environmental factors that predict school success are also going to predict performance on an IQ test. The number one factor is usually exposure to proper grammar, the ability to read, and the understanding of vocabulary. Tests design to assess non-verbal intellectual abilities also assess certain language abilities, such as the ability to categorize items. For example, if a person is shown a boot, a slipper, and a shoe and is expected to select form five pictures one of which shows a sneaker, the person is assessing the ability of a person to select something that fits the category of things you use to put on you feet and walk on. Now consider that the person co! mes from a South pacific island where they go barefoot; this person would be at a disadvantage. The same person would be at a disadvantage if he were asked to say what "snow" means. I hope this helps you understand....Show more