Final answer:
The Skeels and Dye experiment provided evidence that environmental factors such as responsive caregiving can significantly influence the cognitive development of children, highlighting the importance of early childhood interaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Skeels and Dye experiment with the orphans highlighted the impact of intellectual stimulation and responsive caregiving on the cognitive development of children. This landmark study revealed that children who received one-on-one care and interaction exhibited significant improvements in their IQ scores, whereas those who did not receive such stimulation showed a decline in intellectual abilities. This work emphasized the importance of environmental factors in the development of a child's intellect and countered the then-common belief that intelligence was solely determined by genetics.