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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.