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The meaning of heritability in the behavioral sciences1

Arthur R. Jensen

Open publisher page 21 citations

Abstract

The concept of heritability in quantitative genetics is defined and discussed in terms of its implications for individual and group differences in behavioral traits, with particular reference to studies of the heritability of IQ. Common misconceptions concerning the relevance of heritability analysis for individual scores and the roles of genotype x environment covariance and interaction are clarified. Some of the popular criticisms of heritability analysis as applied to mental ability are shown to be misconceived.

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What this paper is about

The concept of heritability in quantitative genetics is defined and discussed in terms of its implications for individual and group differences in behavioral traits, with particular reference to studies of the heritability of IQ. Common misconceptions concerning the relevance of heritability analysis for individual scores and the roles of genotype x environment covariance and interaction are clarified. Some of the popular criticisms of heritability analysis as applied to mental ability are shown to be misconceived.

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OpenAlex reports 21 citations for this work. Citation counts describe recorded attention and do not establish research quality.

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Available abstract

The concept of heritability in quantitative genetics is defined and discussed in terms of its implications for individual and group differences in behavioral traits, with particular reference to studies of the heritability of IQ. Common misconceptions concerning the relevance of heritability analysis for individual scores and the roles of genotype x environment covariance and interaction are clarified. Some of the popular criticisms of heritability analysis as applied to mental ability are shown to be misconceived.

Key concepts: Heritability, Psychology, Relevance (law), Meaning (existential), Behavioural genetics, Quantitative genetics, Social psychology, Developmental psychology

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