Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
7294021 | Intelligence | 2015 | 7 Pages |
Abstract
Evolutionary explanations for geography's influence on complex cognitive ability (CCA) imply virtually immutable components of between-nation IQ differences. Their weight vis-à -vis the weight of situational components was evaluated through an analysis of a 194-country data set. Additive effects of absolute latitude (AL) and longitudinal distance from Homo sapiens' cradle (LDC) explain Northeastern Asian higher, Sub-Saharan African lower CCAs. AL exerts cognitive influence directly and through socioeconomic development and evolutionary genetics whereas LDC does through evolutionary genetics; however, this occurs differently in Africa-Near East-Europe and elsewhere. The findings are understood assuming supremacy of contemporary UVB radiation â hormonal and climatic â socioeconomic mediators of the AL-CCA linkage whose effects are moderated by heterogeneous genetic and cultural adaptations to radiation and climate. Geography's cognitive effects are dynamic and public-policy actions may modify them.
Keywords
Related Topics
Social Sciences and Humanities
Psychology
Experimental and Cognitive Psychology
Authors
Federico R. León, Andrés Burga-León,