The Science of Human Intelligence

‘A riveting survey of modern research to unlock the nature and biological foundations of human intelligence by pioneers in the field.’ Aron K. Barbey, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA ‘The Science of Human Intelligence by Richard J. Haier and Roberto Colom is probably the best book about human intelligence ever written. It comes as the second edition of Human Intelligence, written by Earl Hunt 12 years ago. Hunt’s book was already a great text, which influenced research and teaching in the field considerably. This edition is much more than Hunt’s book. It covers virtually everything we know about human intelligence: it provides an accurate and up-to-date picture of research findings and ideas, including the history, and the current cognitive and psychometric models, of intelligence, and summarizes and evaluates research on the brain, and the genetic, cultural, and environmental bases of intelligence. It is strongly suggested to anyone who wants to know how the human mind works and why humans differ on many of its functions.’ Andreas Demetriou, University of Cyprus ‘Human intelligence is the major adaptive mechanism for humans. If humans and this planet are to survive, it will be important that we understand and optimize our intellectual capabilities. This book presents our current best understanding of human intelligence and how it should be studied.’ Douglas K. Detterman, Psychologist, USA ‘To update Hunt’s book must have been a challenging job. Roberto and Richard did so dexterously by inserting new and solid information. The result is a delightful book full of important information for those who want to learn from the best researchers in human intelligence.’ Carmen Flores-Mendoza, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil ‘Perennially, there have been too few higher-level textbooks devoted to human intelligence differences. This engagingly voiced book is commendable as clear, current, comprehensive, and cautious.’ Ian Deary, University of Edinburgh, UK ‘An excellent textbook that will leave readers with an informed and nuanced grasp of core and emerging findings in intelligence research. Drs. Haier and Colom succeed in presenting complex topics accessibly, and in modeling the commitment to scientific-mindedness and respectful discussion that is critical to progress in understanding human intelligence.’ Matthew Euler, University of Utah, USA ‘The Science of Human Intelligence is a superb book. It provides an authoritative review of what is known about human intelligence, from its measurement to underlying brain systems to real-world consequences. The approach is balanced and up to date and does not shy away from controversial topics. This is a highly recommended must-read for anyone interested in the facts about human intelligence, and is appropriate for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as professionals who work in related areas, and the educated public.’ David Geary, University of Missouri, USA ‘The Science of Human Intelligence is a great book. It provides a wealth of up-to-date scientific information and a comprehensive, thoughtful, and balanced evaluation of what is known, what is not known, and what still needs to be learned about human intelligence. It also provides much food for thought for those who are willing to learn from open discussions and even from constructive confrontation of competing ideas. It will answer many questions that readers might have about intelligence. More importantly, it will help them to ask new questions that they have not yet thought of.’ Yulia Kovas, Goldsmiths, University of London, UK ‘A towering accomplishment! Human behavior can be better understood when variation in intelligence is considered. Engagingly written and packed with constructive insights, this book should be considered a must-read for advanced undergraduates and all persons interested in how post-industrial societies are structured. I expect many of its older, open-minded readers will feel educationally cheated if unexposed to this vibrant scientific arena earlier in their lives. Throughout, the authors demonstrate how many current explanations of human behavior that neglect the vast range of individual differences in cognitive functioning are untenable. If such problems as climate change, cyber-insecurity, educational-occupational disparities, pandemics, and even finding a fulfilling life are to be addressed realistically and humanely, individual differences in cognitive functioning must be considered. This book is the field as it now stands.’ David Lubinski, Vanderbilt University, USA ‘With their 75 years of combined research experience in the field of intelligence, no other pair of authors could have written such an authoritative and comprehensive book. It lucidly covers the theories, methods, and results of intelligence research, from the environment and training to genes and the brain throughout the life course. Clear and engaging, the book doesn’t shy away from controversial issues. Highly recommended.’ Robert Plomin, King’s College London, UK ‘This book critically analyzes research on human intelligence, distinguishing between science and politics. The authors admit that much still remains to be discovered and therefore address all those aspects easily susceptible to manipulation in a balanced way. This is an important merit of this book.’ Aristide Saggino, University of Chieti-Pescara, Italy