Final answer:
The National Association of Gifted Children suggests that giftedness arises from a combination of genetics and environment. Controversies and extensive research, such as twin studies, have highlighted the significance of both genetic factors and environmental stimulation in determining an individual's intelligence. This establishes the interplay between innate potential and the shaping forces of one's upbringing and educational experiences.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Source of Intelligence
What does the National Association of Gifted Children say giftedness is based on? Giftedness can be seen as a result of complex interactions between genetics and environment. Early research by Terman in the 1920s and onwards highlighted the importance of nurturing high IQ individuals for societal benefit, leading to a prolonged debate about the roots of intelligence. Arthur Jensen's controversial 1969 work further fueled the discussion by suggesting genetic differences in intelligence across ethnic groups, a view met with significant criticism for its racial bias. On the other end, the "Range of Reaction" theory suggests that while genetic potential for intelligence is fixed, environmental factors play a crucial role in reaching that potential.
Moreover, the interaction between environment, family background, and education was illustrated by studies such as those by Csikszentmihalyi and Gladwell, emphasizing how higher-income families may actively foster and shape their children's intellectual capabilities more than lower-income families. Twin studies, particularly the Minnesota Study of Twins Reared Apart, demonstrate a significant genetic component to intelligence, while acknowledging the role of the environment. The consensus among many researchers is that both genetics and environmental influences shape intelligence, though how and when high intelligence passes onto the next generation remains partially mysterious. Learning disabilities such as dyslexia, while neurological in nature, do not necessarily correlate with lower levels of intelligence.