Understanding Psychology (10th Ed)

Neuroscience in Your Life:
Your Intelligent Brain
Practical and Emotional Intelligence: 
Toward a More Intelligent 
View of Intelligence
Applying Psychology 
in the 21st Century: 
Artifi cial Intelligence:
Building a Smarter Robot
Assessing Intelligence
Contemporary IQ Tests: 
Gauging Intelligence
Reliability and Validity: 
Taking the Measure of Tests
Adaptive Testing: Using Computers 
to Assess Performance
Becoming an Informed Consumer 
of Psychology:
Scoring Better 
on Standardized Tests
Variations in Intellectual Ability
Mental Retardation 
(Intellectual Disabilities)
PsychWork:
Director 
of Special Education
The Intellectually Gifted
Group Diff erences in Intelligence: 
Genetic and Environmental 
Determinants
Exploring Diversity: 
The Relative 
Infl uence of Genetics and Environment: 
Nature, Nurture, and IQ
How can the extremes of intelligence be 
characterized?
●
How can we help people reach 
their full potential? 
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Prologue
Chris Burke and Sho Yano 
When Chris Burke was born, physicians suggested 
to his parents that he immediately be institu-
tionalized. He had Down syndrome, a common 
genetic defect that produces mental retarda-
tion, and the physicians predicted that the 
chances of his leading anything like a normal 
life were slim. Chris’s parents ignored the 
advice and raised Chris like their other 
children. 
It was a decision that led to an extraordi-
nary life in which Chris has made signifi cant 
contributions to society. He speaks regularly on 
behalf of people with developmental disabilities, has coau-
thored book chapters, and has appeared regularly in a variety 
of television shows. (Hassold & Patterson, 1999; Burke & 
McDaniel, 2001) 
Writing at age 2. Reading at age 3. Playing classical music on 
the piano at age 4, and composing music at age 5. 
But that’s just the start of Sho Yano’s resume. With an IQ 
measured at 200, he entered Loyola University at 
the age of 9 and graduated
summa cum 
laude
at the age of 12. Then it was off to 
a joint graduate program in molecular 
genetics and medicine. He received a 
PhD at the age of 18, and he’s now in 
medical school. Along the way, he 
received a black belt in tae kwon do 
and played piano on a national radio 
program. He’s also prone to under-
statement, saying, “It’s just fun learning.” 
( 
People Weekly,
2003, p. 125; Breslin, 2004; 
University of Chicago, 2009)