The Biology of Human Intelligence

Proceedings of the 1983 Galton Institute conference edited C. J. Turner and H. B. Miles

"At a time when the nature-nurture dispute in biology and psychology has quietened down, albeit without definitive resolution, this book presents some scientific approaches to the study of human intelligence which help us to move towards a deeper and more constructive understanding. It contains papers given at the 1983 Symposium of the Eugenics Society, placing before the public a survey of recent research work on the definition, measurement and heritability of intelligence set in the broader contexts of general biology, social relevance and educational applicability. Many of the issues raised are fundamental and even controversial, but although the authors present their work and ideas critically they succeed in avoiding ideological bias and dogmatic polarisation of attitudes.

The themes of the book centre around Professor Eysenck’s Galton Lecture, in which he deals lucidly with the problem of conceptualising human intelligence as an objective phenomenon, and they variously demonstrate the increasing precision with which the genetic, physiological, developmental and social components of cognitive functioning can now be identified and characterised. Other contributors consider wider issues such as the evolution of intelligent behaviour as a biologically advantageous trait, and show how increasing knowledge and insight can be reflected in helpful and humane attitudes towards both the more gifted and the less gifted individuals in any society which draws its strength and richness from the inherent variability of its members.

The broad spectrum of authoritative contributions to ‘The Biology of Human Intelligence’ will be of interest to professional biologists and psychologists, and the book provides a useful summary of current scientific research for teachers and educationalists. It will also be valuable for students of human behaviour, both in the academic world and in society at large, who are prepared to be stimulated into thinking afresh about this difficult but legitimate and important area of human enquiry."  (From the back cover of the book)

ISBN 0-905484-45-2

Main contents Problem Solving Primates: Aspects of the Evolution of Intelligence M. J. Waterhouse Sex Differences in Piagetian Formal Operations Tasks: Where they Went and How to Find Them M. J. Shayer and J. Williams Intelligence: New Wine in Old Bottles H. J. Eysenck Intelligence and Inspection Time: An Ontogenetic Relationship? C. R. Brand Twin Studies of Intelligence: Recent Data, New Questions J. K. Hewitt and K. A. Last Genetics and Reading Disability J. E. Stevenson, P. Graham, G. Fredman and V. McLoughlin Biosocial Correlates of IQ C. G. N. Mascie-Taylor Cognitive Development in the Mentally Handicapped with Particular Reference to Down's Syndrome B. Stratford Gifted Children J. Freeman The Exceptional Child in the Family R. M. C. Huntley

We have no copies of this volume for sale but the General Secretary will supply photocopies of individual chapters for 20p per page including postage.