Alan Isaac writes:
>
>In contrast, I believe the Minnesotta Twin study found an "IQ"
>correlation of about .7 for twins raised apart. I will also
>claim that anyone who spends time with children will see readily
>enough a large genetic contribution to intelligence within
>a given socio-economic group. I think denying this doesn't do any
>good. And why should it be surprising??
>
>What we need instead is to focus on the policy implications, which I
>have argued are _exactly the opposite_ of the M&H policy conclusions.
>It doesn't really matter if "IQ" 25% or 75% genetic: it persists,
>is (by definition) measurable, and appears correlated with lifetime
>economic prospects under our current institutions. We can therefore
>focus on implementing new institutions that reduce this correlation.
I don't know about the Minnesota study but I think a more important
point is that the notion of intelligence as a single dimensional
concept is irrelevant. I make this point to my students by
talking about measuring ability. What is ability? Ability is
a multidimensional concept which must be discussed as having the
ability to do something specific. I have the ability to solve
math problems or I have the ability to take tests. To think
that IQ can measure ability would be like coming up with
a measure of physical ability. Who has more physical ability
a ballet dancer or a soccer player? It's a ridiculous
question. There is no such thing as general physical ability
nor is there anything like general mental ability.
I think that once you accept the notion that IQ is meaningful
that are on a slippery slope. Neoclassical economists will
argue as H & G do that investing in people with low IQ's
has a lower rate of return then investing in people with
high IQ's. I am not willing to make that concession
Rudy
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