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Genetic and Environmental Influences on Cognition Across Development and Context
Elliot M Tucker-Drob1, Daniel A Briley1, K Paige Harden1
1Department of Psychology and Population Research Center, University of Texas at Austin.
Current Directions in Psychological Science
|May 7, 2014
Summary
Genetic influences on cognition grow from infancy to adulthood and are strongest in advantaged socioeconomic environments. This suggests a dynamic interplay between genes, environment, and cognitive development over time.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Genetics
- Developmental Psychology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Population-level heritability estimates for cognition range from 50% to 70%.
- These broad estimates may obscure significant variations within specific subgroups.
- Understanding gene-environment interactions is crucial for a nuanced view of cognitive development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review empirical evidence on how genetic influences on cognition change with age.
- To examine the interaction between genetic factors and socioeconomic status (SES) in shaping cognition.
- To explore potential mechanisms, such as transactional models, explaining these observed patterns.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing empirical studies on cognition, genetics, and socioeconomic factors.
- Analysis of longitudinal data showing developmental trajectories of genetic influence.
- Examination of theoretical models, including transactional models of development.
Main Results:
- Genetic influences on cognitive abilities increase significantly from infancy through adulthood.
- The impact of genes on cognition is amplified in more socioeconomically advantaged environments.
- A Gene × Socioeconomic Status interaction significantly modulates cognitive heritability.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive development is influenced by a complex interplay between genetic predispositions and environmental opportunities.
- Transactional models effectively explain how individuals with certain genetic predispositions actively shape their environments, leading to increasing genetic influence over time.
- Future research should consider developmental and socioeconomic contexts when assessing genetic contributions to cognition.
Keywords:
Gene × Environment interactionbehavior geneticscognitive abilitycognitive developmentintelligenceMore Related Videos
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