Arthur Robert Jensen focused on individual differences in learning, particularly the influences of culture, development, and genetics on intelligence and learning. His work concentrated on the learning difficulties of students from culturally disadvantaged environments. He explored the connection between the human genome and human society, with his research significantly contributing to the understanding of this issue. His approach emphasized the complex interplay between biological and environmental factors in shaping cognitive abilities.
The book delves into the concept of general mental ability, known as the g factor, introduced by Charles Spearman. It explores how this construct represents individual differences in mental abilities across diverse populations. Through factor analyses of extensive measures of mental skills, the g factor consistently emerges as the primary source of variation among individuals and specific subgroups, highlighting its significance in understanding cognitive differences.
The book explores critical issues surrounding cultural disadvantage, focusing on the challenges of creating unbiased psychological tests and the educational hurdles faced by minority children. It delves into the complex relationship between heritability and teachability, addressing how these factors impact learning and development in diverse cultural contexts.