Understanding the nature of the general factor of intelligence: the role of individual differences in neural plasticity as an explanatory mechanism.

Full Abstract

The nature of the general factor of intelligence, or g, is examined. This article begins by observing that the finding of a general factor of intelligence appears to be inconsistent with current findings in neuroscience and cognitive science, where specific connections are argued to be critical for different intellectual abilities and the brain is argued to develop these connections in response to environmental stimuli. However, it is then observed that if people differed in neural plasticity, or the ability to adapt their connections to the environment, then those highly developed in one intellectual ability would be highly developed in other intellectual abilities as well. Simulations are then used to confirm that such a pattern would be obtained. Such a model is also shown to account for many other findings in the field of intelligence that are currently unexplained. A critical period for intellectual development is then emphasized.

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Author information

Author/s: Garlick, Dennis (D);

Affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. dennisg(-atsign-)psych.usyd.edu.au

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: Psychological review (Psychol Rev), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2002-Jan; vol 109 (issue 1) : pp 116-36

Dates: Created 2002/02/26; Completed 2002/03/12; Revised 2004/11/17;

PMID: 11863034, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 12/26/2008)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adolescent
Adult
Age Factors
Aged
Anthropometry
Brain - anatomy & histology
Child
Child Development

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