Binet vs. Goddard and IQ testing

Alfred Binet

  • Developed the first IQ test (with Theodore Simon) in the 1900s

  • Purpose: to identify children who needed extra academic support

  • Believed:

  1. Intelligence is not fixed

  2. Environment, education, and training can improve intelligence

  3. IQ test should not be used to label people permanently 

H.H. Goddard

  • Introduced Binet’s test to the U.S. 

  • Misinterpreted Binet’s idea

  • Believed:

  1. Intelligence was hereditary and unchangeable. 

  2. Low IQ indicated feeblemindedness, which was passed genetically. 

  • Advocated for eugenics policies, including

  1. Forced sterilization of those deemed “feebleminded”

  2. Immigration restrictions based on IQ testing. 

Key Difference

  • Binet: IQ = Flexible, can improve with help. 

  • Goddard: IQ = Fixed, inherited, used for social control policies,