Week 6 The Evolution And Social Repercussions Of Mental Measurements Slides Flashcards
What are the key learning outcomes of the lecture on the evolution of mental measurement?
To chronicle the development of intelligence testing, understand individual differences in psychology, recognize contributions of significant figures, and grasp the impact on Applied Psychology.
Why is studying the history of intelligence important?
It provides insights into theory development, ethical considerations, practical applications, and societal impacts, which can lead to more informed and responsible practices in intelligence research.
Who was Francis Galton, and what was his belief about intelligence?
Galton (1822-1911) was Darwin’s half-cousin who believed intelligence was inherited, advocating that intelligent people naturally rose to societal prominence.
What is Social Darwinism, and how was it used to justify racism?
Social Darwinism applied natural selection to social hierarchy, asserting that non-white people were inferior. This ideology was used to justify racial segregation and eugenics.
How did Francis Galton attempt to measure intelligence?
Through his Anthropometric Laboratory, Galton used physical measurements like height, weight, reaction time, and grip strength to assess individuals.
What is eugenics, and how did Galton contribute to this movement?
Eugenics promotes selective reproduction to improve genetic quality. Galton’s theories encouraged “positive” eugenics and led to practices like forced sterilization.
How did Alfred Binet contribute to intelligence testing?
Binet developed the Binet-Simon scale, the first IQ test, designed to identify children with special educational needs by assessing their mental age.
Who was Henry Goddard, and how did he use the Binet-Simon scale in the USA?
Goddard introduced the Binet-Simon test to America, using it to identify children with mental disabilities and support eugenics-based practices like sterilization.
What was the Army Alpha test, and who developed it?
Created by Robert Yerkes with Terman and Goddard during WWI, the Army Alpha was a mass intelligence test used to classify soldiers and select for special training.
What were the social and cultural criticisms of early IQ testing?
IQ tests were criticized for cultural bias, as they often reinforced racial, gender, and class inequalities and didn’t consider non-Western concepts of intelligence
