A new theory could explain the 15-point IQ gap between black and white
Americans. In 1969, Arthur Jensen claimed it was all down to genes. James Flynn
demolished the genetic theory in 1987 when he showed that everyone鈥檚 IQ is
rising dramatically from generation to generation. So what鈥檚 going on?
Reciprocal causation, William Dickens suggested this year. If you start off with
a small advantage, you get into a better environment that amplifies your talent,
he argues. Someone who鈥檚 good at basketball will be encouraged to practise more,
will get into a better team, get better coaching and so on.
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