Genetics and Cognitive Abilities

Distinct Genetic and Environmental Origins of Hierarchical Cognitive Abilities in Adult Humans

Distinct Genetic and Environmental Origins of Hierarchical Cognitive Abilities in Adult Humans

Understanding how genetic and environmental influences shape cognitive abilities remains a cornerstone of psychological research. Jiang et al. (2024) present an important study that examines these influences through a structured twin-based model. This research provides insight into how basic and higher-order cognitive functions are differentially affected by genetic inheritance and …

Environmental and Socioeconomic Influences on Cognition, Genetics and Cognitive Abilities

Shaping Hierarchical Cognitive Abilities

Genetic and Environmental Influences on Hierarchical Cognitive Development

Recent research by Jiang et al. (2024) sheds light on the distinct genetic and environmental influences shaping hierarchical cognitive abilities in adults. By categorizing cognitive functions into two levels—basic processes and higher-order functions—this study provides valuable insights into how these abilities develop and differ in their origins. Background Human cognition …

Psychological Measurement and Testing

Tellegen & Briggs Formula 4 Calculator at Cogn-IQ.org

Tellegen & Briggs Formula 4 Calculator: A New Tool for Psychometric Precision

The Tellegen & Briggs Formula 4 Calculator, available at Cogn-IQ.org, is a specialized tool designed to help professionals recalibrate and interpret scores from psychological assessments. It provides an efficient way to calculate the Tellegen-Briggs Index (TBI), which is particularly useful when standardization data is unavailable or limited. Background The Tellegen-Briggs …

Technological Advances in Psychology

Simulated IRT Dataset Generator v1.00 at Cogn-IQ.org

Simulated IRT Dataset Generator

The Dataset Generator available at Cogn-IQ.org is a powerful resource designed for researchers and practitioners working with Item Response Theory (IRT). This tool simulates datasets tailored for psychometric analysis, enabling users to explore a range of testing scenarios with customizable item and subject characteristics. It supports the widely used 2-Parameter …

Cognitive Abilities and Intelligence

Cognitive Ability and Optimism Bias

Cognitive Ability and Miscalibrated Financial Expectations

This post examines findings from Chris Dawson’s research on the connection between cognitive ability and optimism bias in financial decision-making. Using data from over 36,000 individuals in the U.K., the study highlights how cognitive ability influences unrealistic optimism, particularly in financial expectations versus actual outcomes. Background Optimism bias refers to …

Cognitive Abilities and Intelligence

Decoding High Intelligence: Interdisciplinary Insights

Advancements in Research on High-IQ Individuals Through Scientific Inquiry

Research into high intelligence provides valuable insights into human cognitive abilities and their impact on individual and societal progress. By exploring the historical development of intelligence studies, the challenges of measuring exceptional cognitive abilities, and recent advancements in neuroscience and psychometrics, this article highlights the ongoing importance of understanding high-IQ …

Psychological Measurement and Testing

The Complex Journey of the WAIS: Insights and Transformations

Scientific Development and Applications of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale

The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), developed in 1955 by David Wechsler, introduced a broader and more dynamic approach to assessing cognitive abilities. Over the years, it has been refined through several editions, becoming one of the most widely used tools in psychological and neurocognitive evaluations. This post reviews its …

Cognitive Abilities and Intelligence

Tracing the SAT’s Intellectual Legacy and Its Ties to IQ

The SAT’s Evolution and Its Connection to Intelligence Testing

The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) has been a central element of academic assessment in the United States for nearly a century. Initially designed to provide an equitable way to evaluate academic potential, its evolution reflects shifts in societal values, educational theories, and cognitive research. This post examines the SAT’s historical …

Environmental and Socioeconomic Influences on Cognition

Hidden Harm: Prenatal Phthalate Exposure and Its Impact on Young Brains

Prenatal Phthalate Exposure and Its Impact on Young Brains

Ghassabian et al. (2023) provide a detailed analysis of the relationship between prenatal exposure to phthalates and its potential effects on brain development and cognitive outcomes in children. Using data from the Generation R study, the research explores how exposure during pregnancy may influence brain volume and IQ scores in …

Cognitive Aging and Decline

AMES: A New Dawn in Early Detection of Cognitive Decline

Introducing AMES: A Self-Administered Tool for Early Detection of Cognitive Decline

The Automated Memory and Executive Screening (AMES) tool, introduced by Huang et al. (2023), represents a significant step in identifying early cognitive decline. Designed for use in primary care settings, AMES evaluates cognitive domains such as memory, language, and executive function. This post reviews the study’s findings and the tool’s …