Intelligence Spectrum Poll by Ronay I Hannah

ronayhannah — 2025-09-25 13:53:59 UTC

Activity Overview

Post your perspective on the role of genetics versus environment in shaping intelligence. Support your viewpoint, then vote on your classmates’ posts to see the spectrum of opinions.

Steps to Complete

Create your post: Share your position on whether genetics or environment plays a more significant role in intelligence
Vote on others: Read your classmates’ posts and vote on the perspectives you find most compelling

2025-09-25 14:36:13 UTC

You can have two children raised in the same environment and have different test scores which would then makes sense that it plays a part in genetics more than environment.

2025-09-25 14:37:46 UTC

Environment is more influential on intelligent to me personally. I believe that you can have parents who aren’t so smart and still be smart. If you are placed in a good school or surrounded by smart people, then you will become like them. Your environment can really change you and shape the way that you think. I know I would be a whole different person if I was in a different environment surrounded by certain people.

I think both genetics and environment matter for intelligence. I feel like environment plays a bigger role because how you grow up, the support you get, and the effort you put in can shape how smart you can become.

2025-09-25 14:38:08 UTC

I believe that environment plays a more significant role in intelligence. I say that because i believe that children pick up on learned behavior based off of what they see their parents and peers do in the environment that they are in.

2025-09-25 14:39:13 UTC

Environment plays a bigger role in terms of intelligence.

2025-09-25 14:39:25 UTC

I believe environment plays a bigger role when it comes to intelligence because our intelligence comes from what we are taught, whether that be at school or at home. If someones environment is not the best and they are not getting taught things that they should, their intelligence would be affected.

Jadari Wilson

2025-09-25 14:40:20 UTC

I believe that environment does play a role in intelligence simply because you learn from what is around you. If your home life is not a good environment then more then likely you would become a product of that, then someone that grew up in a good environment.

I believe that environmental factors play a bigger role in shaping intelligence. While genetics may provide the foundation for cognitive potential, it is the environment that determines how much of that potential can be developed. Factors such as access to education, language exposure, availability of books, and societal expectations all play a crucial part in intellectual growth. Without these environmental supports, even strong genetic potential may not be fully realized.

2025-09-25 14:40:25 UTC

Environment is more influential

2025-09-25 14:40:49 UTC

I feel like it is more influential than genetics is because the environment can sometimes override genetic traits from the parents. If both of the parents are very intelligent but they do not pass down their knowledge or help their child study effectively, then the intelligence that the child gained genetically from the parents would not matter as the child does not know or have the resources to use it themselves.

Environment is most influential

2025-09-25 14:41:34 UTC

I believe environment is more influential in shaping intelligence. Environment plays a very big role in our everyday lives. For example if you are place in a good school district your education will be better than if you went to school in a poor school district and your education might be lacking. This goes for social skills as well. While genetics still plays a key role, environment has a bigger influence as well.

Genetics are stronger when it comes to intelligence.

2025-09-25 14:41:49 UTC

Genetics and environmental factors no doubt go hand in hand working together to create a unique individual with a unique personality. However, when it comes to intelligence I believe that genetics will be the most important factor because it is something natural. Brain chemistry and how the brain works is something that is given to people genetically and often hard to shift or change. I believe environmental factors can make someone smart by encouraging reading and other studious brain exercises. Intelligence is something that just comes natural to some without being taught.

jameahfreeman — 2025-09-25 14:43:24 UTC

I think that the environment plays a more significant role in intelligence because even though you might get certain traits or genes from your parents, your environment can help you learn how to control those traits if you are around people who take the time to help you and be a model for you.

2025-09-25 14:43:55 UTC

I believe your environment plays a big part in shaping your intelligence. I say this because without a supportive environment you may not be able to be as successful as you would without it.

2025-09-25 14:51:47 UTC

I personally I believe that your environment plays the biggest role on a person. For example, when you separate twins/triplets etc. and you put them in different environments you see they all turn out differently even though they have the same genetics.

Environment is more essential!

2025-09-25 14:57:58 UTC

In my professional opinion, environment plays a more significant role in shaping intelligence. The people you are surrounded by are key to what you learn and how you learn it. While genetics may contribute to certain conditions or disorders that can hinder learning, the environment has the power to challenge and even overcome many of those limitations.

The environment is most influential in shaping intelligence.

2025-09-25 14:58:12 UTC

I believe the environment plays the biggest role in shaping intelligence. Your genetics can only take you so far. The child's natural intelligence has to be fostered and developed. Natural talent does exist, but you may stay stunted if the right environment for growth is not presented.

2025-09-25 15:42:04 UTC

Genetics start your basis but your environment and Cristal thinking of how you process your environment will ultimately shape the initial outcome

I believe your environment is a big part of shaping your intelligence. I say this because you can learn and adapt around your environment.

2025-09-25 15:42:47 UTC

Genetics vs. Environment

2025-09-25 15:43:34 UTC

Genetics (Nature)

Strong influence on potential: Twin and adoption studies consistently show that genetics play a major role in intelligence. Identical twins, even when raised apart, often have more similar IQs than fraternal twins or siblings raised together.
Heritability estimates: For adults, heritability of IQ tends to fall between 50–80%, meaning a significant portion of the differences in intelligence across people can be traced back to genes.
Cognitive wiring: Genes shape the brain’s structure, processing speed, memory, and problem-solving abilities. They essentially provide the “baseline hardware.”

Environment (Nurture)

Crucial in development: Early childhood environment has a huge impact—nutrition, access to education, parental involvement, and stimulation (books, play, language) all affect cognitive growth.
Socioeconomic factors: Poverty, exposure to toxins, chronic stress, or lack of resources can suppress the full expression of genetic potential. Conversely, enriched environments can boost intellectual outcomes.
Neuroplasticity: The brain is flexible, especially early in life. Learning experiences, schooling, and even cultural expectations can alter pathways and enhance intellectual abilities.

Most modern researchers agree it’s not genes vs. environment, but genes interacting with environment:

A child might inherit a genetic disposition for high intelligence, but without stimulation or opportunities, that potential may never fully develop.
Conversely, a child in a highly supportive environment may outperform genetic predictions, especially in skills like creativity, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving.

Both genetics and environmental factors play part in one’s intelligence.

2025-09-25 15:58:58 UTC

I believe both play part in one’s intelligence. As an infant or toddler you learn what is around you and what is taught by parents at their speed. As you grow older you learn from experiences and environments because you start to understand that there is more to the world then just the things you’ve learned as a toddler.