No they can only assess what they can observe weight

• No. They can only assess what they can observe (weight, lengths of toes, etc.).
None of these measures provides any useful prediction of intelligence scores at
much later ages.
Around what age do IQ tests become stable and predictive of later intelligence?
• IQ tests become really reliable at age 7. Start becoming somewhat reliable at
age 4, but only really reliable at 7.
What is giftedness? How is it related to life success and distinction?
• High extreme of intelligence. IQ scores over 135. Children with extraordinary
academic gifts are sometimes more isolated, introverted, and in their own worlds
but many thrive. Children have differing gifts. Many grow on to thrive in life
success.
What criteria must one meet to be diagnosed with mental retardation?
• IQ: 70 or below.
• Difficulty with communication and living skills.

• Child must have a low-test score as well as difficulty adapting to the normal
demands of independent living.
What evidence suggests a genetic role in intelligence?
• People who share the same genes also share comparable mental abilities.
Genes and environment work together.
• Evidence:
• Identical Twins: Intelligence test scores are virtually as similar as those of the
same person taking the same test twice. Brain scans reveal that identical
twins have very similar gray matter volume, and that their brains are virtually
the same in areas associated with verbal and spatial intelligence. Fraternal
twin scores not as similar.
• Interaction of Heredity and Environment: Often push in same direction.
By what means do heredity and environment tend to influence intelligence in the
same direction? (i.e., parents – genes and environment)
• Often push in same direction. Genetic influences become more apparent as we
accumulate life experience. Adopted children’s intelligence scores over time
become more like those of their biological parents. Genetic influence will
increase while environmental influence will decrease-both work toward an
individuals intelligence being more influential.
What evidence indicates an environmental role in intelligence?
• Fraternal Twins vs. Siblings: Fraternal twins, who are genetically no more alike
than any other siblings, but who are treated more alike because they are the
same age, tend to score more alike than other siblings.
• Identical Twins Raised Together vs. Apart: Raised together; almost exact same
score. Raised apart; about 70% of score variation. Similar enough. Separated
twin  environment affects both. Genes and environment work together.
• Adoption: Adoption enhances the intelligence scores of mistreated or neglected
children.
Why can’t group differences in average IQ scores be assumed to be due to
genetic differences?
• Even if the variation between members within a group reflects genetic
differences, the average difference between groups may be wholly due to the
environment. (Flower experiment).