Final answer:
Testing the claim that 80% of a child's intelligence comes from their mum requires a comprehensive study that includes genetic research, twin studies, and accounting for environmental factors. Current science suggests both genetics and environment significantly impact intelligence, without clear evidence supporting the precise 80% figure.
Step-by-step explanation:
To test the claim that 80% of a child's intelligence comes from their mum, we would need a rigorous scientific approach. Firstly, it would involve constructing a credible hypothesis. The study would require a large sample size of mother-child pairs and control factors such as socioeconomic status, education, and environmental stressors to reduce confounding variables.
Heritability studies, particularly those involving twins, are crucial. For example, the Minnesota Study of Twins Reared Apart showed a high correlation between IQ scores of identical twins, suggesting a genetic component to intelligence. However, we must also consider environmental impact as suggested by the work of Hart and Risley, who found that a child's early language exposure was influenced by parental interaction, which varied by income level.
The claim that 80% of intelligence is inherited maternally is not backed by robust scientific evidence and oversimplifies the genetics of intelligence. While research indicates that genetics plays a significant role, so does the environment. Furthermore, the metric of '80%' is problematic without clear empirical support and a defined methodology for quantifying intelligence inheritance.