The of Maximal Performance Linda S. Gottfredson School of Education University of Delaware September 16, 2008 Conference: “How can we improve our brains?” Banbury Center, Cold Spring Harbor, New York

How can we improve our brains? Intelligence School Work Health Life chances Inequality

The problem with “intelligence”: I Human norm, or variations on it? (E.g., developmental change, or inter-individual differences?)

The problem with “intelligence”: II Which inter-individual differences are we talking about? g VQSMothers IQ ≈ IQ ≈ GENERAL Domain general More heritable Psychometrically unitary Physiologically distributed NARROW

The problem “intelligence”: II Which inter-individual differences are we talking about? g VQSMothers IQ ≈ IQ ≈ GENERAL Domain general More heritable Psychometrically unitary Physiologically distributed NARROW General proficiency at: Learning Reasoning Abstract thinking Solving novel problems =

Global phenotype differences (e.g., typical learning needs by IQ level) IQ MRMG Slow, simple, concrete, one-on- one instruction Very explicit, structured, hands-on Mastery learning, hands-on Written materials & experience Learns well in college format Can gather, infer information on own Military trainability thresholds 10th15th30th Equalization Democratization

Correlated life consequences IQ MRMG Military trainability thresholds 10th15th30th Assembler Food service Nurse’s aide No jobs centered here Typical IQ range of workers Clerk, teller Police officer Machinist, sales Manager Teacher Accountant Attorney Chemist Executive

Black-white disproportions IQ MRMG Slow, simple, concrete, one-on- one instruction Very explicit, structured, hands-on Mastery learning, hands-on Written materials & experience Learns well in college format Can gather, infer information on own WhiteBlack Military trainability thresholds 10th15th30th

My focus: How can we better use and protect our brains? Intelligence School Work Health Life chances Inequality 3. Vulnerable to chronic disruption 1. Measured at maximum 2. Rarely function at maximum 4. Preventable

My focus: How can we better use and protect our brains? Intelligence School Work Health Life chances Inequality Intra-individual fluctuation Inter-individual differences

Species-typical influences on brain

Evolutionarily novel influences on brain

Effects of Aging on Brain (Reaction Time) Better

Monitor on Psychology, September, 2008, p. 23 Behavior that increases brain’s vulnerability to aging

New York Times, 9/13/08, p. A19 Accumulation of preventable injuries

Wall Street Journal, 9/12/08, p. A1 Fatigue,sleepiness

Disrupted attention

Monitor on Psychology, September, 2008, p. 32 “It’s a brave new world” Before— caffeine ephedrine-based drugs Now— Ritalin Adderall Modafinil Cognitive enhancers (doping?)

Seeking the competitive edge

g - Basic information processing (G F ) Basic cultural Knowledge (G C ) Suppose a physiological maximum and: —myriad cognitive disturbances —threats to system integrity fluctuation g f maximum (average person) fragility

g - Basic information processing (G F ) Basic cultural Knowledge (G C ) Opportunities g f maximum (average person) Protect brain growth Minimize brain decline and atrophy Work closer to capacity

Behavioral influences Brain enhancers (“smart drugs”) Healthy diet Exercise Prevent/manage chronic diseases Prevent/manage injuries Caffeine Nicotine Rest periods Peak time Pacing Synergy Brain protectors Cognitive drains Alcohol Drugs Medication Hunger Fatigue Pain Anxiety Distraction Disinterest Effort boosters

Environmental drains Constant interruptions (visitors, phone, meetings) Many distractions ( , noise) Disrupted sleep cycles (jet lag, shift work, artificial light, schools start too early) Insufficient sleep (noisy dorms, soldiers, parents) Poor scheduling/pacing of work (airlines) Over-medication of elderly Other Lower g and age increase vulnerability All are manipulable

Closing thought Need more precise, theoretically appropriate measurement Intelligence School Work Health Life chances Inequality X gfgf Domain - specific achievements

Thank you.