Intelligence and How to Get It

Intelligence and How to Get It examines the complex factors that shape human intelligence, challenging the notion that IQ is purely hereditary. The book presents research and evidence suggesting that environmental influences, education, and cultural factors play crucial roles in cognitive development. Richard Nisbett provides practical strategies and methods for enhancing intelligence through targeted interventions and educational approaches. The work includes specific recommendations for parents, educators, and policymakers on how to foster intellectual growth in children. The book addresses controversial topics in intelligence research, including IQ testing validity and racial differences in test scores. Nisbett reviews and critiques previous works in the field, particularly The Bell Curve, while presenting alternative interpretations of intelligence data. This academic work contributes to ongoing debates about nature versus nurture in human cognitive development, emphasizing the potential for environmental interventions to improve intelligence outcomes.

Readers describe this book as a research-based counterargument to genetic determinism, presenting evidence that intelligence can be significantly influenced by environment, education, and effort. Positive reviews highlight: - Clear explanations of complex research studies - Practical advice for parents and educators - Strong scientific backing for claims - Hopeful message about human potential Common criticisms: - Dense academic writing style - Some sections feel repetitive - Could be more concise - Not enough actionable steps Goodreads: 3.95/5 (287 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (89 ratings) Notable reader comments: "Offers concrete evidence against racial IQ theories" - Goodreads reviewer "Too much time spent debunking other theories rather than developing his own ideas" - Amazon reviewer "Changed how I think about intelligence and education" - Goodreads reviewer The book receives stronger ratings from educators and academics compared to general readers, who sometimes find the technical details overwhelming.

The Blank Slate: The Modern Denial of Human Nature by Steven Pinker Explores the science behind the nature-nurture debate through examination of genetic and environmental influences on human traits and abilities.

Make it Stick: The Science of Successful Learning by Peter C. Brown Presents research-based techniques for enhancing learning and cognitive performance based on cognitive psychology findings.

The Nurture Assumption by Judith Rich Harris Challenges conventional beliefs about parental influence on intelligence and development through analysis of peer groups and genetic factors.

Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise by K. Anders Ericsson Explains the role of deliberate practice in developing cognitive abilities and expertise through research on high performers.

The g Factor: The Science of Mental Ability by Arthur R. Jensen Details the scientific research behind general intelligence and its measurement through empirical studies and statistical analysis.

🧠 Dr. Nisbett completely shifted his views on intelligence after decades of research - he initially believed IQ was largely hereditary but came to recognize the profound impact of environment. 📚 The book directly challenges The Bell Curve's conclusions (1994), presenting evidence that IQ scores can increase by 15-20 points with proper educational intervention. 🎓 Studies cited in the book show that adoption from disadvantaged to enriched environments can boost IQ scores by up to 12-18 points. 🌏 Research presented reveals that East Asian educational methods, which emphasize effort over innate ability, consistently produce higher mathematics achievement compared to Western approaches. 🔬 The author draws on groundbreaking studies of identical twins raised apart to demonstrate that environment can account for up to 50% of intelligence differences - far more than previously thought.