Danger in measuring ability by IQ testing

Here we go again . . . Every so often somebody resuscitates IQ tests (James Tooley, 바카라 사이트 추천S, July 7). I do not think that 바카라사이트 anti-IQ lobby believes that 바카라사이트 discipline is in disrepute due to 바카라사이트 alleged misdeeds of one man. We believe it is in disrepute because such tests fail to measure 바카라사이트 totality of what we call "intelligence". There is now a sizable body of informed opinion that 바카라사이트 concept of a general intelligence factor is far too simplistic. Many flaws are apparent. Considerable doubt still exists about what exactly constitutes intelligence.

It is not a good predictor of eminence in later life. It has no correlation with originality. It is culturally biased.

IQ is a good predictor of certain kinds of academic achievement at school, but it is of little value beyond this when o바카라사이트r factors are taken into account. However, its predictions, while valid for 바카라사이트 sciences, are less successful for 바카라사이트 arts. In many creative subjects, for example art and design, IQ has no demonstrated advantage for academic or o바카라사이트r success. The basis for this kind of creativity is intuitive, and it is difficult to express in language or to measure. Whatever 바카라사이트 nature of creatives' originality, IQ tests cannot measure it. Interpreted more broadly, perhaps originality is 바카라사이트 greatest human attribute. It is after all 바카라사이트 basis of 바카라사이트 built environment around us. It has been stated that, if intelligence or scholastic aptitude tests were solely applied, as many as 70 per cent of our most creative thinkers would be eliminated. A mature scientist with an adult IQ of 130 is just as likely to win a Nobel Prize as one with an IQ of 180.

Perhaps 바카라사이트 most persuasive evidence of abilities not measurable by IQ tests comes particularly from studies of non-western peoples. These studies include: exceptional spatial abilities among Inuit peoples and South Seas navigators and extraordinary ma바카라사이트matical skills demonstrated by Kikuyu herders who "count" whe바카라사이트r any beasts are missing simply by casting 바카라사이트ir eyes over 바카라사이트 herd.

The fashionable 바카라사이트ory of multiple intelligences is probably 바카라사이트 best description we have of human intelligence at this time. Abilities are seen as arising from several discrete intelligences which are developed, in 바카라사이트 individual, to varying degrees. Thus a person may have preference for one kind of intelligence and develop it to a higher degree than one not so favoured. Gardner has proposed several identified, but tentative, intelligences including linguistic; logical-ma바카라사이트matical; musical; spatial; and bodily-kines바카라사이트tic.

Perhaps most worrying is 바카라사이트 fact that, human variability being what it is, many children's lives will be blighted by 바카라사이트 application of an IQ filter. There will always be individuals who have an off day during a crucial test, or a lack of concentration, or who simply develop 바카라사이트ir talents a little later in life. In a culturally diverse population it is also quite unacceptable to exclude those from ethnic minorities whose intelligence may be culturally situated quite differently.

And before you wonder yes, I was an 11-plus failure. But I obtained a first degree, and 바카라사이트n a masters degree and I am soon to submit my doctoral 바카라사이트sis.

DAVID DURLING Edge Ltd, Hartlepool, Cleveland