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Gould (1982) A nation of morons (Procedure (3 tests devised:, Army alpha…
Gould (1982) A nation of morons
Background
intelligence test developed by Yerkes to assess peoples capabilities to be in the army - Army Alpha and Beta tests
Aim - to highlight issues with intelligence testing specifically in research carried out by Robert Yerkes
Research method
The study is a review article that looks at the history of Yerkes' intelligence testing of recruits in the US army
Sample
1.75 million army recruits in the USA during WW1, included White Americans, "Negroes" and European immigrants
Procedure
3 tests devised:
Army alpha test - for literate recruits, required a good understanding of English included analogies, finishing a sequence etc
Army beta test - for illiterate or those who failed alpha. 7 parts and consisted of picture completion tasks, mazes, and counting - pictures were again culturally specific. Instructions were in english and 3/7 tasks required written answers
Spoken examination - if failed other two tests supposed to complete this test but rarely happened. Individual goiven grade A-E which indicated suitabiloity for positions in the army
Recruits rarely given the next test if they failed the first, queues for beta test built up so standards were lowered in order to reallocate to alpha test
Key findings
data was analysed by E.G. Boring, Yerkes' lieutenant, who manipulated the results
'Facts' emerged including average mental age of white American adults stood at 13 meaning was a 'nation of morons' believed 'Negroes' and feeble-minded had been interbreeding and lowering overall intelligence
Tests had a large impact on officer screening those with good results were promoted
Although tests were supposed to be accurate irrespective of where you're from Yerkes admitted results showed problem for those not familiar with English e.g. Latins and Slavs
IMMIGRATION RESTRICTION ACT passed in 1924 - people from southern and eastern Europe who had scored badly on the test were no longer allowed in the USA. Many Jews tried to escape to America but were refused entry - 6 million people from Europe were refused
Conclusions (Goulds)
IQ tests are culturally and historically biased
IQ tests don't measure innate intelligence
Poor administered IQ tests can lead to tragic consequences
IQ testing is often unreliable