1. Using Rats!

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

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

4. 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.”

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

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

7. 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.

8. 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.

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

10. Retest ALL rats in maze

11. Environment 1 (restricted stimuli) Dumb rats stay dumb Smart rats get dumb

12. Environment #2 (normal stimuli) Dumb rats stay dumb Smart rats stay smart

13. Environment #3 (Enriched stimuli) Dumb rats get smart Smart rats stay smart

14. 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?

15. 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.

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