Intelligence, Cognitive, And Cognitive Psychology

Introduction Cognitive psychology is defined as the internal mental processes, or how human beings process information. Cognition itself refers to mental actions of acquiring knowledge and understanding through: â€Å"experience, and the sensory input,† resulting in a sense of perception and notion (http://spl.stanford.edu/pdfs/2001%20Emotions%20-%20Emotional%20intelligence.pdf). Intelligence is an example of cognition, and the ongoing debate on intelligence and how to measure it intrigued me into further investigation. Moreover, recent research has touched on whether intelligence is determined exclusively by genes or by the environment of the individual. Most definitions of intelligence are reflected by Intelligence Quotients tests, or IQ†¦show more content†¦Despite the limitations of IQ tests, researchers have not found a better alternative to measure intelligence. Supporting evidence on the idea that intelligence is malleable is Howe (1997) that claims that in ord er to raise a person’s intelligence significantly and permanently both time and constant effort are required to a large extent. In addition, a lackluster attempt in changing an individuals IQ, will not produce sudden and lasting changes (Howe, 1997). Furthermore, the Milwaukee Project and the Head Start initiative in the U.S.A., also shows supporting evidence that intelligence, in terms of IQ, can change, as pre-school children demonstrated IQ point gains (Heber et. al. 1968, Gross 2001). In regards to the affect genes and the environment have on intelligence, studies about adoption, in Romania, also indicate that the environment significantly influences the plentiful physical and mental catch-up and IQ gains, after living in stimulating and stable conditions (Rutter Rutter1992). However, not all-reliable research shows that the environment is an important factor of intelligence, which might be because of biases among genetics researchers that do not consider the environmen t when theorizing about intelligence. For example, research by Bouchard and McGue in twin