There is no clear consensus in the scientific community, but it is generally believed that a combination of genetic factors and environmental influences contribute to mathematical ability.
Comprehensive answer to the question
Mathematics is a complex and challenging subject, and the question of whether math geniuses are born or made has not been definitively answered. However, researchers generally agree that both genetic and environmental factors play a role in mathematical ability.
According to a study published in the journal Science, genetic factors account for about 50% of the variation in mathematical ability among individuals. This means that some people may be born with a greater natural aptitude for math than others.
However, environmental factors such as education, socio-economic status, and access to resources also play a significant role in developing mathematical ability. For example, children who are raised in households with a strong emphasis on education and have access to quality math education may be more likely to develop strong math skills.
In addition, studies have shown that the brain actually changes in response to math training. As individuals practice and improve their math skills, their brain structure and function can be altered, leading to improved performance.
As famous mathematician Albert Einstein once said, “Pure mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas.” Math geniuses may have a natural affinity for these logical ideas, but with the right environment and training, anyone can improve their math abilities.
Interesting facts on the topic:
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Researchers have identified several genes that are associated with mathematical ability, including some involved in brain development and functioning.
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Studies have shown that individuals who speak multiple languages may be more adept at solving math problems.
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In some cultures, there is a greater emphasis on memorization and rote learning in math education, while in others there is more emphasis on problem-solving and critical thinking.
Table:
Factors that contribute to mathematical ability:
Genetic factors Environmental factors
– Brain development and functioning – Gene regulation – Education – Socio-economic status – Access to resources – Cultural context
Other approaches of answering your query
Experts generally agree that nature and nurture both play a role when it comes to being good at maths. Environmental factors such as home life, schooling and even deprivation all influence our ability to succeed at the subject.
Experts generally agree that both nature and nurture play a role when it comes to being good at maths. A study by John Hopkins University found that young children with a highly-developed ‘number sense’ – the ability to estimate numbers – were also better at maths tests, suggesting that the ability to work with numbers may be something people are born with. Researchers David Henry Feldman and Lynn Goldsmith concluded that the prodigy phenomenon is the result of a lucky “coincidence” of factors.
Are math geniuses born or nurtured? Experts generally agree that nature and nurture both play a role when it comes to being good at maths. Environmental factors such as home life, schooling and even deprivation all influence our ability to succeed at the subject.
In 2011 a study by John Hopkins University found that young children with a highly-developed ‘number sense’ – the ability to estimate numbers – were also better at maths tests. The researchers suggested this meant the ability to work with numbers may be something people are born with.
Researchers David Henry Feldman and Lynn Goldsmith concluded that the prodigy phenomenon is the result of a lucky “coincidence” of factors: a complex soup made up of everything from healthy social/emotional development, birth order and gender, education and cultural support, to access to training resources and family support.
Once upon a time, I was mattress shopping with my roommate, Erin (yes there were two of us).
While we were walking around the very empty store, we were greeted by this guy:
This is Jason. He was the salesman.
We talked about mattresses, and engaged in small talk for a bit. He was incredibly kind and sooo easy to talk to.
At one point, he says, “hey, can I show you guys something?”
Realizing we’re completely alone in a huge store with this guy, I turned to Erin, who was already sauntering gleefully two steps behind him.
I love her, but if a bar had 1,000 awesome people in it and one serial killer, he’d be the one she’d be attracted to.
I followed her so she didn’t end up in some remote fortress behind his house in the middle of nowhere (or whatever serial killers are doing these days).
He went behind his sales counter and pulled out… a portfolio.
This was his first picture:
He said it was a visual representation of a mathematical equation, drawn with a ruler and a pencil.
Thi…
Video response to “Are math geniuses born or made?”
In this TEDx talk, Mark Diaz argues that becoming a genius is not solely determined by genetics, but rather it is about the actions one takes. Diaz encourages people to persist through failures and challenges, take the journey, and find smaller steps towards mastery. He provides examples of people who learned skills through training and practice, and shares a personal story about his grandfather who taught his family drawing despite not passing on his supposed genetic talent to his other relatives. Diaz concludes that anyone can become a genius by identifying and taking the necessary steps towards success.
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Are geniuses born or created?
Environmental influences on Genius Potential
Having the genetic traits of a genius but not having the support or encouragement to channel these talents is futile. Studies show that parents who nurture their children’s talent by providing the right guidance and training are making geniuses.
Is being a genius genetic?
Response: Like most aspects of human behavior and cognition, intelligence is a complex trait that is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.
What makes a mathematical genius?
As a response to this: Firstly, these geniuses have a good knowledge of number facts and the number system. This falls under the natural numbers part of Mathematics. On a simple level, these geniuses would have found relations within numbers, found patterns, remembered numbers using their characteristics, and so on a daily basis.
Are some people born better at math?
The response is: Research from Johns Hopkins University suggests that some people are naturally good at math, whereas others may never be. For those who can count very well, there is something vaguely infuriating about doing business with (or even living with) people who can’t count past three.
Are geniuses born or made?
The scientific evidence for the conviction that geniuses are born, not made, or that creativity is inherited, is very meager, currently in fact it is virtually non-existent.
Who invented genius?
The answer is: Philosophers have long been pondering the origins of genius. Early Greek thinkers believed an overabundance of black bile—one of the four bodily humors proposed by Hippocrates—endowed poets, philosophers, and other eminent souls with “exalted powers,” says historian Darrin McMahon, author of Divine Fury: A History of Genius.
Are all products of genius creative?
With respect to creativity, therefore, use of the literal term "genius" is slightly confounding in that all products of genius, for example, the consistently outstanding performance of a standard surgical procedure or constant and good problem solving are not necessarily creative.
Can natural gifts produce a genius?
Natural gifts and a nurturing environment can still fall short of producing a genius, without motivation and tenacity propelling one forward.
Are geniuses born or made?
The scientific evidence for the conviction that geniuses are born, not made, or that creativity is inherited, is very meager, currently in fact it is virtually non-existent.
Who invented genius?
The answer is: Philosophers have long been pondering the origins of genius. Early Greek thinkers believed an overabundance of black bile—one of the four bodily humors proposed by Hippocrates—endowed poets, philosophers, and other eminent souls with “exalted powers,” says historian Darrin McMahon, author of Divine Fury: A History of Genius.
Is genius just another word?
Response to this: Others say "genius" is just another word for minds that have been honed by untold hours of practice — Paul Cezanne, Robert Frost and even Charles Darwin were well-known "late bloomers." Of course, many argue that brilliance and virtuosity represent the combined effects of learned and innate characteristics. Who has genius right?
Are all products of genius creative?
In reply to that: With respect to creativity, therefore, use of the literal term "genius" is slightly confounding in that all products of genius, for example, the consistently outstanding performance of a standard surgical procedure or constant and good problem solving are not necessarily creative.