The confluence model and six divergent data sets: Comments on Zajonc and Bargh

In a recent article, Zajonc and Bargh demonstrated the ability of the confluence model in simulating widely divergent patterns of family configuration—intelligence relationships observed in six national data sets. Variations in the parameter estimations between nationalities were found to coincide with meaningful differences in the psychological characteristics of the populations tested. A closer look at these parameter estimates, however, seems to warrant a second opinon. Extreme differences in intelligence levels are predicted between nations, including substantial retardation for some populations. In addition, the parameter values of Zajonc and Bargh do not allow mental growth functions consistent with previous confluence notions.