IQ in Question: The Truth about Intelligence (Sage Communications in Society])

Intelligence and IQ have provoked controversial debate throughout this century and especially in recent years. These debates have extended far beyond the confines of academia, profoundly influencing social policy and public opinion. In this lively, provocative, and accessible account of the intelligence debate, Michael J. A. Howe challenges many of the widely-shared beliefs and assumptions that have influenced contemporary society. He reviews the key theoretical and empirical evidence to deny erroneous and destructive claims such as "IQ tests provide a measure of inherent mental capacities," "Intelligence and race are linked," "Intelligence cannot be changed," "There is a gene for intelligence," and "Low IQ always means restricted capacities." IQ in Question shows how these and other claims have dubious intellectual support and very damaging social consequences. It offers a clear and powerful case for a more careful understanding of these central questions, and will be essential reading for those in the fields of educational psychology, developmental psychology, and cognitive psychology.

Michael J A Howe is Professor of Psychology at the University of Exeter. He has written widely about human intelligence and his publications include The Origins of Exceptional Abilities (1990) and Fragments of Genius (1989).