Intelligence alludes to the capacity to gain from one's encounters, to obtain information and to utilize resources in adjusting. The idea of measuring knowledge through testing was introduced a century ago. Through this measure, individuals can test their intelligence. Consequently, several methods are used to test intelligence. One such test is the IQ test. On the other hand, the question as to whether or not the birth order affects intelligence has been asked for a long. As a result, over time, extensive research has been carried out to try and answer this pertinent question (Lambert, 2005). This research has shown that there is a relationship between birth order and personality as well as intelligence (Lambert, 2005; Esping , 2003; Pearson Education, n.d.) . For instance, the first-borns may be more intelligent than their youngsters due to a number of reasons. Conversely, the younger siblings may depict signs of more intelligence than their older siblings due to several reasons. This essay, therefore, seeks to explore whether birth order affects intelligence.
Birth order in families has for a long time resulted in competition amongst siblings. However, some authors have cited that this competition may affect the identity as well as the intelligence of the young siblings. I have personally encountered the challenge of maintaining my identity since I am the last born in a large family. This is because I was more likely to ape the behaviors of my older siblings. This encounter supports the point above. While those who are born first are commonly more brilliant, the younger siblings show signs of continuous improvement. Additionally, this group is more likely to be more outgoing. Several reasons can be used to explain the higher intelligence of the firstborns ( Pearson Education, n.d.) . Some attribute this phenomenon to the interaction that the first-borns enjoy with their parents before other children are born. In the measure of intelligence, first-borns may indicate higher levels of intelligence because they get more time with their parents and as a result, receive more attention from them compared to their siblings ( Esping , 2003) . In this case, parents invest more in their firstborns compared to other children. This, however, depends on the duration between the birth of the first-borns and the other kids.
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Conversely, research has shown that siblings may also portray higher intelligence levels than those born before them. This has been attributed to a combination of several factors (Lambert, 2005). For instance, younger siblings tend to receive advice and mentoring from the first-born and elder siblings, who have already gone through similar challenges at some point in their lives. Secondly, younger siblings may face pressure from their older siblings in an attempt to get attention from their parents. As a result, this faction may consider this as competition and try to out-do their older siblings. It has been argued that this may lead to an increase in their intelligence levels. Moreover, these youngsters may have an easy time tackling issues their older siblings went through and as a result may feel more secure.
In conclusion, various studies have established that birth order affects the intelligence of children, and the first-borns are more likely to be more intelligent compared to their younger siblings. This situation remains irrespective of the fact that an alternative viewpoint exists arguing that the younger siblings are likely to be intelligent compared to their firstborn siblings.
References
Esping , A. (2003). Does Birth Order Affect Intelligence? Human Intelligence. Retrieved from http://www.intelltheory.com/birthOrder.shtml
Lambert, C. M. (2005). Does birth order affect intelligence?
Pearson Education (n.d). Factors affecting intelligence. Retrieved from http://media.pearsoncmg.com/ab/ab _lefton_psychology_8/media/factors_intelligence/swf/launch.html
