Question of Intelligence: The IQ Debate in America First Edition

by Daniel Seligman (Author)

9 customer reviews

ISBN-13: 978-0788157127

ISBN-10: 0788157124

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Product details

Hardcover
Publisher: Diane Pub Co; First edition (June 1, 1992)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0788157124
ISBN-13: 978-0788157127
Product Dimensions: 5.8 x 1 x 8.2 inches
Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
Average Customer Review: 9 customer reviews
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #18,699,865 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #509549 in Books > Education & Teaching > Schools & Teaching
- #2224274 in Books > Textbooks

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Thomas M. Hines

this is a wonderful introduction to the science of psychometrics

July 14, 2014

Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase

For those who are simply curious about the issue of intelligence testing, its methodology and various applications, this is a wonderful introduction to the science of psychometrics. Seligman touches on many facets of the IQ debate, underscoring its social and political consequences. The reality of intelligence, both genetically and environmentally determined, is discussed in depth. Denying the genetic component of intelligence can lead to unfortunate social policies that assume that all individuals are equally endowed with intellectual gifts. This book opens the way for a more realistic examination of how intelligence testing can provide the tools for a more efficient allocation of resources and human talents. Controversial and thought-provoking. Highly recommended.

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Trip Nines

Seligman does excellent job.

August 9, 2015

Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase

Written by layman for laymen. Destroys myth that IQ tests are biased again minorities and explains why this and other myths exist.

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A JOURNALIST PRESENTS A "POPULAR" SUMMARY (circa 1992)

March 25, 2013

Format: Paperback

Seligman states in the Preface of this 1992 book, "this book... will argue that IQ tests do indeed measure mental abilities that might collectively be thought of as intelligence. Also, that intelligence testing is a worthwhile enterprise and that data generated by the tests have enormous social value and explanatory power... The experts overwhelmingly believe... that the tests can be thought of as good measures in intelligence. They believe that genetic factors play a major role in explaining IQ differences between individuals..." (Pg. viii-x)

But he also admits, "I am not an academic scholar; certainly not a psychometrician. I am a journalist... here in the role of popularizer, not authority... There is no theoretical barrier telling us that IQs cannot be lifted by environmental intervention... everybody agrees that variability in IQ is substantially affected by environmental differences, and there is every reason to keep searching for programs that work... Psychologists today do not know how to effect permanent and significant increases in intelligence levels via programs of cultural enrichment." (Pg. x-xi)

He notes a "statistical phenomenon": "the so-called regression to the mean. This phenomenon tells us that the single most likely IQ for the child of above average intelligence is a figure somewhat below theirs but still above the population mean of 100. In other words, the child's IQ will have `regressed' some distance toward the mean... Regression toward the mean is not a biological imperative: It is merely reflecting the correlations we are working with here are less than perfect." (Pg. 88-89) He adds, "the fact of a highly heritable IQ does not guarantee high IQs to all the progeny of high-IQ families." (Pg. 91)

He concludes, "A major policy implication of the data... is that people should not be treated as members of groups but as individuals." (Pg. 204)

This popular summary will be of interest to some persons interested in this issue.

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Joseph Bishop

A fine survey of the IQ 'controversy'

May 23, 2007

I don't quite understand why this volume has seemingly received so little attention. I found it quite excellent in presenting a fair case to both sides of the 'debate' - which is rarely actually is - while still taking a considered position in support of IQ testing and its great value for society both as social predictors for individuals AND groups as well as in helping to formulate public policy at many levels.

Seligman doesn't hesitate to review authors and scientists and their work who are branded by liberal media as 'controversial' (read: anyone or any material that media disagrees with) and easily leads the reader through these people and works.

The author also takes on the black-white IQ issue and forthrightly demonstrates that there is indeed an IQ differential there of at least one standard deviation - and often TWO stand deviations - with blacks typically ranging 15-30 points below whites. He also fulsomely demonstrates that variability in IQ is 50-80% hereditary. Additionally, he points out that IQ and fertility are negatively correlated - i.e. that the least intelligent within society have the most children. These facts are of incalculable importance in assessing the American gene pool's current and future predicament - and no doubt charting the likely fate of civilization and culture too.

Seligman's book ought to be required study material in a whole range of academic disciplines, in addition to 'The Bell Curve'.

I recall reading 'The Bell Curve' in its entirety, which was published a little after Seligman's book (I believe), it was nowhere near as interesting and readable although it was vastly more detailed with statistics, tables, charts, etc. It is one of those works that is much cited but rarely actually READ.

Seligman cites the work of Richard Lynn here and there. Lynn has since published at least six of his own works, all of which are very important in this area, but are probably mainly only read by specialists.

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