Intelligence / measure of intelligence.

D.P. said:
So the direction of causality is probably:
Increased size of particular brain area --> increased ability

However, it is most definitely NOT this:
Increased ability, through experience --> increased brain size.

The latter is simply not possible. Functionally, an area might become more active with time with new neural connections, as you might observe through fMRI. But area and volume cannot change.
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Yet brain area functionality is so poorly understood that it is of little practical purpose to suggest someone is 'better' merely becasue a certain part of their brain is larger or more active.

And again, increased function between either men or women does not guaruntee that there are objective biological differences between men and women. The brain changes as a result of age and 'use'.
 
Inquisitor said:
Agreed. Even defining it is very difficult, though I'd be inclined to agree with cleanbluesky.
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Has anyone checked the Mensa website for their definition and views on quantifying? I'm guessing that they would probably dissagree.
 
Smithy said:
Well i think its hard to be intelligent and not have all 3 of these.
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Some people are Extreemly intelligent but suck at school.
Ive seen it happen to lost of people ebcause they are really smart but the school wants them to do things the way they are taufght to do them other then the way there brain can cope and work things out the best.
 
cleanbluesky said:
The brain changes as a result of age and 'use'.
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So are you saying two new born twins brains, one male the other female would have exactly the same brain structure?
 
Stag said:
So are you saying two new born twins brains, one male the other female would have exactly the same brain structure?
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No. I'm saying that we cannot conclude which brain differences, if any are a result of gender alone rather than experience - and what the exact ramifications of these structural differences would be.
 
Well surely 2 new borns have no experiences so if there are no physical differences in a female and a males brains that will be evident on a scan?
 
Stag said:
Well surely 2 new borns have no experiences so if there are no physical differences in a female and a males brains that will be evident on a scan?
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Not neccessarily, becasue we cannot predict whether parts of the brain have to change function to support different sex organs although newborns are awfully similar. Also, differences between the genders, were they to exist in the brain, might develop later.

Now you see why I am cynical that differences have been detected, it is far more complex than it is often made out to be.
 
cleanbluesky said:
Not neccessarily, becasue we cannot predict whether parts of the brain have to change function to support different sex organs although newborns are awfully similar. Also, differences between the genders, were they to exist in the brain, might develop later.

Now you see why I am cynical that differences have been detected, it is far more complex than it is often made out to be.
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Not really, they could develop later due to different hormone levels in male and females. :p

I am in no way saying that it is not complex, I'm sure nurture has a dramatic impact however I believe the underlying genetic blueprint does also. :)
 
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