Answer to Question 1
Asian Americans tend to have the highest scores on many intelligence tests. There are four major differences in educational practices between the U.S. and countries in Asia. By fifth grade, students in Japan and Taiwan spend 50 more time in school than American students do, and more of this time is devoted to academic activities than in the U.S. Students in Taiwan and Japan spend more time on homework and value homework more than American students. American parents are more often satisfied with their children's performance in school which Japanese and Taiwanese parents set much higher standards for their children. Japanese and Taiwanese parents believe more strongly than American parents that effort, not native ability, is the key factor in school success.
Answer to Question 2
Intelligence tests offer an efficient and objective way to assess a student's chances of succeeding in school. IQ scores predict school grades, scores on achievement tests, number of years of education, and occupational success. Research results support that intelligence is determined by both nature (heredity) and nurture. Children have greater IQ scores when their family and educational environments are intellectually stimulating. An increase in test scores during the 20th century shows the impact of changing environmental conditions on intelligence.
Skin of an African (left) and Asian (right) elephant.
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Expected Distribution of IQ Scores