Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10.1 6/24/83; site unc.UUCP Path: utzoo!watmath!clyde!bonnie!akgua!mcnc!unc!wfi From: wfi@unc.UUCP (William F. Ingogly) Newsgroups: net.misc Subject: Re: Discussion about Mensa (flame) Message-ID: <174@unc.UUCP> Date: Sun, 9-Dec-84 15:47:16 EST Article-I.D.: unc.174 Posted: Sun Dec 9 15:47:16 1984 Date-Received: Fri, 14-Dec-84 07:18:22 EST References: <1552@pur-phy.UUCP>, <7131@watrose.UUCP> Organization: CS Dept., U. of N. Carolina at Chapel Hill Lines: 20 There's an excellent discussion of the history of intelligence testing in Stephen Jay Gould's book, "The Mismeasure Of Man." The book's major theme is the (mis)use of science and statistics to provide a theoretical underpinning for prejudice. I'd suggest that anyone who wants to converse intelligently (:-)) on this topic check out Mr. Gould's book; I found it a fascinating and easy read. It's worth looking at even if you strongly disagree with his political positions. The problem with tests like the Stanford-Binet and its ilk is that they overstress some capabilities and understress or ignore others. This results in a warped evaluation of the abilities of certain individuals to contribute to society. Creativity, empathy, and non-written verbal skills are all given short shrift by these traditional evaluation methods. Joining Mensa requires a measure of faith in I.Q. testing as a method for evaluating human ability to reason and function in society. What's dangerous about this faith is the implied value judgement regarding human worth that accompanies membership in such an elitist organization.