Gould (1982) - A Nation of Morons

What is the aim?

To highlight the problems associated with Yerkes’ attempt to measure intelligence on a mass scale

What is the experimental method?

Review article

What was Yerkes’ procedure?

A series of tests designed to test intelligence - all with individual biases

What was The Army Alpha Test?

• included analogies and number sequences

• required an understanding of American culture and literacy in the English language

What was The Army Beta Test?

• completed if participants failed the previous test

• also required an understanding of English language as you had to answer in English

What was The Individual Spoken Examination?

• completed if participants failed both of the previous tests

• given grades A to E

• issues with administration of tests

• only 1/5 of those who failed Beta would complete this, queues led to less standardization

Who were the participants (from Yerkes’ study)?

• 1.75 million army recruits in the USA during WWI (all men)

• included black Americans and European immigrants etc.

What were the findings (from Yerkes’ study)?

Data was analysed and altered to fit Yerkes’ narrative

The following “facts” occured:

• black men had average mental age of 10.41

• Southern and Eastern Europeans less intelligent

Developments such as the Immigration Restriction Act followed.

What were the conclusions?

1. IQ tests are culturally and historically biased

2. IQ tests do not measure innate intelligence

3. IQ testing is often unreliable

4. IQ tests may not produce valid results

5. Inappropriate, poorly administered IQ tests can lead to tragic consequences