The Human Intelligence Podcast

Dr. Jonathan Anomaly, a philosopher and bioethics expert, dives into the intriguing world of embryo selection and its potential impact on intelligence. He discusses how polygenic scores are constructed and the realistic IQ gains from selecting embryos, revealing that many parents prioritize disease risk over IQ. Anomaly also tackles ethical concerns surrounding genetic choices, the limitations of current gene editing technologies, and potential societal effects of modest IQ shifts. Their conversation raises critical questions about voluntary selection versus state interventions in genetics.

If you want to test your own ability profile, you can take a free sample of the RIOT IQ test at https://riotiq.com.In this episode, Russell talks with Dr. Thomas Coyle about a surprising finding in modern intelligence research. There is an ability that predicts STEM success better than IQ, and most people never hear about it.Dr. Coyle explains what this ability is, how it develops during adolescence, and why schools rarely teach or measure it. They also cover spatial and mechanical skills, processing speed, sex differences, and why these patterns matter for future engineers and technical careers.This is a simple and clear conversation that shows how different abilities shape real outcomes beyond a single IQ score.Watch the full video version on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RiotIQTestLearn more about the RIOT IQ test: https://riotiq.com

Yujing Lin, a doctoral researcher at King’s College London specializing in behavioral genetics, dives into her latest findings on polygenic scores. She explains how these scores predict traits like IQ and education by examining differences between siblings and unrelated individuals. The conversation unveils how socioeconomic status affects genetic predictions, and why adding genetic and family-level factors can refine forecasts. Lin also highlights the significance of real effects over biases, making her research vital for understanding intelligence in a modern context.

Dr. Michael Woodley, an independent scholar in evolutionary analysis and behavior genetics, dives into how extreme environments, like prisons, reshape intelligence. He discusses Spearman's hypothesis and reveals surprising findings about IQ patterns in incarcerated populations. Woodley explains the role of harsh environments in activating hidden cognitive talents, emphasizes the importance of non-shared environments, and underscores the need for caution in forensic testing. His insights shed light on human adaptability and the potential for cognitive upregulation in unpredictable settings.

Dr. Karen Rambo-Hernandez, an education researcher and associate professor at Texas A&M University, dives into the complexities of grade-level designations in modern classrooms. She discusses how COVID-19 affected student achievement in reading and math, revealing significant variability among students of different ages. Dr. Rambo-Hernandez advocates for a shift from age-based grouping to one that considers students' readiness and ability, exploring practical strategies for teachers to address diverse needs and urging systemic changes to benefit all learners.

Dr. Craig Frisby, Emeritus faculty at the University of Missouri and author of Essentials of Evaluating Bias in Intelligence Testing, dives deep into the complexities of IQ test bias. He clarifies that bias stems from measurement errors, not mere score gaps. The discussion covers landmark cases like Larry P. that reshaped these debates, critiques of race-norming methods, and the necessity for standardized testing practices. Frisby emphasizes the importance of data-driven evaluations to ensure fairness in intelligence assessment across diverse demographics.

In this captivating discussion, Gilles Gignac, an associate professor in psychological science specializing in psychometrics, delves into what defines intelligence—arguing it's about solving novel problems at maximal capacity. He contrasts true intelligence with mere achievement and explores how AI can be benchmarked against human capabilities. Gignac emphasizes redefining AI through psychometric methods, advocating for concise benchmarks that enable fair comparisons with humans. This conversation offers fresh insights into the evolving definitions of intelligence.

Ivan Kroupin, a cross-cultural cognitive scientist from the Max Planck Institute, shares insights from his fieldwork in Namibia, Angola, and Bolivia. He delves into how environmental factors shape executive function and challenges the notion of universal intelligence tests. Discover how children's real-world skills often outshine standardized measures. Kroupin emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural contexts in cognitive research, revealing that traditional tests may reflect schooling rather than true cognitive abilities.