Flawed conclusions implying causation where there is only evidence of correlation.
One alternative:
Parental involvement improves test scores.
Parental involvement delays the onset of sexual experimentation
Therefore parental involvement is the varying factor on sexual behavior, not IQ.
Etc. There are multiple possible explanations for the conclusions of the study. Not that I'm arguing mind you; I'd be the first to celebrate evidence that smart kids wait. But as much as I'd like to see that produced as fact, this study's doing it wrong.
lol
wait
wut
celebrate this?
Why?
[warning: this post features wild tangent rides] :awe:
I want to do a study that shows a correlation between kids who "wait" to have sex, and their social aptitude and successes in socialization.
Socialization is far more important than anything else imho. Brings about "street smarts", but more accurately, real-world practical knowledge.
There are those that break the curve, in all types, but I'd say the geniuses and, their opposites, in PC-terms "the exact opposite of geniuses"... lack the ability to socialize, which at the same time shares a trend with sexual conquests.
What is a causation in these correlations, who knows.
I'd say I, while most definitely not a genius, have intelligence when I want to apply myself. I'm a lazy smart person, if you will.
But I have that street-smart skill, and can socialize very well... again, when I want to. I like my me time.
Won't go into my sexual conquests, but they are there. Began in Freshman year of highschool... or was it sophomore year? Regardless...
As an individual with great interest in social behavior, personality, of research into both nature and nurture, I really enjoying following the trends of us complex monkeys.
Many geniuses can go to great lengths and contribute amazingly to mankind's progress and still remain inept at socialization, but for more people, that can completely ruin their entire life and prevent them from succeeding. Hell, those who contributed great things throughout our history, often had absolutely terrible lives.
Then again, as my firm "we are animals" stance kind of pushes me to certain conclusions, I completely support teens basically experimenting with everything. Let the to-be failures completely fail, Social Darwinism is key I say. I will forever argue that teens who continue to push their boundaries will be a far better overall human than any person could claim to be, that is, if they are successful in moderation of self. That's the ultimate key. Self-discipline does not need to dictate one can't let go and be free, it dictates one must be able to reign oneself in when the chance for failure creeps into the picture.
Drugs, sex, individuality.... for the kids who can learn, for themselves, how the manage all of that, and ultimately stay in complete control of the situation and take a step back when necessary or at the extreme end completely reshape their life... they will be the most perfect human.
My parents didn't, and don't, hover with an iron-first. They simply demand honesty and respect, and with that came the promise of certain liberties as long as I maintained the respect.
Young adults most importantly, but humans in general, have to learn from failure. We have to learn that failure is crucial for success. Everyone fails in some regard, the important part is accepting and embracing said failure, and using it to learn.
And impart that wisdom on your own children, but more importantly, all of mankind that you can reach.
We have to build a civilization that can actually balance personal freedom with social/civilization's progress. Everyone needs to contribute.
Because nobody can be successful on their own. Many will fail in some way, and will need a shoulder to lean on to walk through that dark path.
People will need those who have been there, or to understand the situation. That's easier said than done for most of the populace as quite a few struggle with understanding the actions of others, I don't know why though... then again I pride myself on awareness and intuition and constantly hone those aspects of myself. Understanding your fellow man is key to ensuring as many people are as successful as possible.
Social animals learn best through socialization, at least if you want to beat the nature of individual genetics. Some of us will fail miserably at learning from failure, it's just how brains can be wired. Without someone to coach and mentor, there can be serious consequences. All depends on their environment as well. Some of the most successful people could have turned out to be complete failures if raised in a different environment (even if by the same people, same methods). Can I prove any of this? There aren't currently any studies that positively link anything I say, but there are also none that debunk such claims.
Point being, social creatures need socialization to have the best chance at success. It's nature's way of assisting those that are also given a handicap by nature, be it a lack of self-discipline (it can be taught, but it can also just be a naturally acquired personality trait) or some other negative personality quirk, to actual physical handicaps or severe brain-wiring mishaps.
In short? Parents need to learn to coax out of, and teach, their little bundles of failure waiting to happen, the tools for life, in such a way that prepares them for said failure.