difference in intelligence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "difference in intelligence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing variations or disparities in cognitive abilities among individuals or groups. Example: "The study aimed to explore the difference in intelligence between children who are exposed to different educational methods."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"Right now, it's more a qualitative difference in intelligence than a quantitative difference, but it's improving".

The New York Times

If heredity explains most of the difference in intelligence, the logic goes, the I. Q

The New York Times - Magazine

But if Harold John Choo, from the "American Pie" trilogy) and Kumar (Kal Penn, from "Malibu's Most Wanted") are in many ways the spiritual nephews of Wayne and Garth or Beavis and Butt-head, there's a difference in intelligence.

The New York Times

I know a lot of Oxbridge alumni, and I can't say I've noticed a significant difference in intelligence between them and the students at UEL. Rather, Oxbridge graduates have been trained to use that intelligence in professionally approved ways that transport them seamlessly into the establishment.

Independent

For twin pairs with a difference in intelligence test-score of half a standard deviation or more, the proportion of twin pairs in which the lower-scoring twin died first was 55%9595% CI: 0.52,0.58).

Intelligence

That income differential represents more than just the "sheepskin effect" of a diploma; some of it comes from the innate difference in intelligence of high school grads versus dropouts.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Researchers have long debated what IQ tests actually measure, and whether average differences in IQ scores--such as those between different ethnic groups--reflect differences in intelligence, social and economic factors, or both.

Science Magazine

If Mr Eppig is right, the near-abolition of serious infections in these countries, by vaccination, clean water and proper sewerage, may explain much if not all of the Flynn effect.When Dr Lynn and Dr Vanhanen originally published their IQ data, they used them to advance the theory that national differences in intelligence were the main reason for different levels of economic development.

The Economist

What is scientifically untenable - and indeed scientifically meaningless - is to claim that average differences in intelligence, as measured by IQ scores between different population groups, are caused by genetic differences between those groups - the core thesis of pseudoscientific racism.

The Guardian - Opinion

Can you insist that science supports racial differences in intelligence?

The New Yorker

test and he was arguing for racial differences in intelligence in "The Bell Curve".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the "difference in intelligence" between groups, be mindful of the potential for misinterpretation and ensure your language is precise and avoids generalizations.

Common error

Instead of simply stating a "difference in intelligence", specify the context, such as "difference in intelligence as measured by IQ tests" or "difference in specific cognitive skills like spatial reasoning". This adds clarity and precision to your statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "difference in intelligence" functions as a noun phrase. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to the degree to which individuals or groups vary in their cognitive abilities. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "difference in intelligence" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe variations in cognitive abilities. While Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is usable, its frequency is uncommon. It appears most frequently in scientific and news contexts and should be used with sensitivity, particularly when comparing groups. Precision in specifying the context of the ""difference in intelligence"" is crucial to avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives like ""variance in intelligence"" or ""cognitive ability gap"" can provide nuanced meaning depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

variance in intelligence

Replaces "difference" with "variance", emphasizing statistical dispersion or deviation in intelligence levels.

disparity in intelligence

Substitutes "difference" with "disparity", highlighting inequality or a significant gap in intelligence.

cognitive ability gap

Focuses on the 'gap' in cognitive abilities, which implies a difference in intelligence.

intelligence level variation

Reorders the phrase and replaces "difference" with "variation", emphasizing the range of intelligence levels.

contrast in intellect

Uses "contrast" instead of "difference" and "intellect" as a synonym for "intelligence", highlighting a clear distinction.

divergence in cognitive skills

Replaces "intelligence" with "cognitive skills", emphasizing the specific abilities related to intelligence and their divergence.

intellectual capacity gap

Focuses on the 'gap' in intellectual capacity between individuals or groups.

variation in mental acuity

Replaces "intelligence" with "mental acuity", which refers to sharpness or keenness of mind.

differential in cognitive performance

Uses "differential" to emphasize the different levels of performance related to cognitive abilities.

intelligence quotient gap

Specifically refers to the gap in measured intelligence as indicated by IQ scores.

FAQs

How can I use "difference in intelligence" in a sentence?

You can use "difference in intelligence" to discuss variations in cognitive abilities between individuals or groups. For example: "The study examined the "difference in intelligence" between students taught using different methods."

What are some alternatives to saying "difference in intelligence"?

Alternatives include "variance in intelligence", "disparity in intelligence", or "cognitive ability gap", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to discuss "difference in intelligence" in sensitive contexts?

When discussing ""difference in intelligence"", especially between groups, it is important to be sensitive and avoid perpetuating stereotypes. Focus on specific cognitive skills or abilities rather than making broad generalizations.

What factors might contribute to a "difference in intelligence"?

A ""difference in intelligence"" can be influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, environment, education, and socioeconomic status. Research suggests complex interactions between these influences.