Human intelligence is an enigma that continues to intrigue scientists around the world after its inception with the creation of humanity. Human intelligence is defined by the Encyclopedia Britannica as “the mental quality consisting of the ability to learn from experience, adapt to new situations, understand and manage abstract concepts, and use knowledge to manipulate one's environment.” (“Human Intelligence”) To evaluate human intelligence, we must quantify it. Intelligence quotient, also known as IQ, is a measure of cognitive ability. The general factor, abbreviated as g factor, is also a measure of cognitive ability. The g factor can be obtained by isolating the items of an IQ test across a sequence of tests to provide a more specific measure of intelligence. Human intelligence is influenced by two factors, nature and nurture. Nature and nurture are both important factors that shape human intelligence. However, one has a more significant effect than the other. It is imperative to recognize the more important factor of the two to better understand intelligence and its development. By evaluating factors thoroughly, we come closer to identifying the causes of individuals' success and failure. We are getting ever closer to identifying and preventing the stimuli that cause failure, and we are getting ever closer to identifying and promoting the stimuli that cause success, whether inherited or learned. As humans, we differ in our ability to learn, but no matter the differences the simple fact of our ability to apply what we learn when required sets us apart from all other species. We apply our innate cognitive abilities to reflect on the unknown to arrive at theories, which... halfway through the article... both occur simultaneously, so this research is intended to increase understanding of intelligence and the factors that influence it. influence. participate in its existence. This is a request for access to university resources to conduct this research. This research will be conducted in order to isolate one of the two factors as being of greater importance, thus becoming a point of direction in which intelligence research could produce more fruitful results. Works Cited “Human Intelligence.” Encyclopedia Britannica. Encyclopedia Britannica online. Encyclopedia Britannica Inc., 2012. Web. 7 March 2012. Onkal, Rustem. "Nature versus nurture" debate. Neuroscience of intelligence. Macalester College. 2004-2005. Network. February 9. 2012. .