The Conclusion That Mathematics Talent Is Biological, Based on Studies

question 64

Multiple Choice

The conclusion that mathematics talent is biological, based on studies of mathematically gifted students,

• A) is unwarranted because researchers collected no biological data.
• B) is unwarranted because researchers found such small gender-related differences that their conclusions were invalid.
• C) indicates their high heritability quotients from parents and first-degree relatives.
• D) provides the best available evidence that quantitative abilities are biological because the home environment of the children showed no differences in encouragement for girls and boys.

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Definitions:

Vignettes

Short, descriptive pieces of writing or speech that capture a moment, character, or setting in a detailed way.

Dispositional Attribution

A psychological process whereby individuals attribute behavior to the internal characteristics of the agent, rather than to external factors.

Situational Attribution

The process of attributing a person’s behavior to external or environmental factors.

Rational

Based on reason or logic; characterized by clear, logical thinking or the ability to make reasoned decisions.