Using Rats!

Nature versus Nurture Experiment

“If an environment (nurture) is significant, then it can overcome heredity (nature) in regards to intelligence.”

HYPOTHESIS:

Test a large random population for intelligence by using a maze (Assume speed to complete the maze = intelligence)

Procedure: Step 1

Separate smart rats and have them breed. Test their offspring, separate the smartest and have them breed. Do this for multiple generations to secure a population of “born smart rats.”

Procedure: Step 2

Do the same thing, with multiple generations, to secure a population of “born dumb rats.”

Procedure: Step 3

Place equal numbers of smart and dumb rats into environment #1 “Restricted Stimuli”—a covered cage. Let them stay in there for a while.

Procedure: Step 4

Place equal numbers of smart and dumb rats into environment #2 “Normal Stimuli” (a regular, normal rat cage). Let them stay in there for a while.

Procedure: Step 5

Place equal numbers of smart and dumb rats into environment #3 “Enriched stimuli” (lots of toys, bells, etc). Let them stay in there for a while.

Procedure: Step 6

Each cage is the same in terms of size, food and water!

Note:

Retest ALL rats in maze

Procedure: Step 7

Environment 1 (restricted stimuli) Dumb rats stay dumbSmart rats get dumb

Results!

Environment #2 (normal stimuli) Dumb rats stay dumbSmart rats stay smart

Results!

Environment #3 (Enriched stimuli) Dumb rats get smartSmart rats stay smart

Results!

What does this prove about nature v. nurture?

Remember the hypothesis of the experiment: “If an environment (nurture) is

significant, then it can overcome heredity (nature) in regards to intelligence.”

Thoughts?

Conclusions…

When the environment was normal (as in environment #2) nature (heredity) seems to be the major factor in intelligence.

When the environment was significant (really bad as in environment #1 or really great as in environment #3) nurture (environment) seems to overcome nature.

Conclusions…

Are slums version of the restricted cage? Is being raised in affluence comparable to being in environment #3?

Human Impact?