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Intelligence, Genes, and Success: Scientists Respond to The Bell Curve
A scientific response to the best-selling The Bell Curve which set off a hailstorm of controversy upon its publication in 1994. Much of the public reaction to the book was polemic and failed to analyse the details of the science and validity of the statistical arguments underlying the books conclusion. Here, at last, social scientists and statisticians reply to The Bell Curve and its conclusions about IQ, genetics and social outcomes.
376 pages, Paperback
First published August 7, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 9, 2019
Overall, I found this to be a great resource. It is a collection of 15 articles written by various academics concerning Murray and Hernstein's infamous "The Bell Curve." A couple articles confirm various aspects of the work, the majority of articles take a skeptical approach and would like reform or qualify their argument to a greater degree, and perhaps four or so reject one or more aspects of "The Bell Curve" wholesale. There is also an introductory, synopsis (of the work to be criticized, which I found to be very accurate and fair), and conclusory article.
I have to disagree with the other reviewer; the scientists that wrote this book (it is not a single study, but many) did not seem outraged, but very respectful and sincere.
It is hard to give a book like this a proper rating, as I would rather rate each article individually. But I will say that I probably would have given two of them 2 stars, a few 3 stars, but the majority 4 or 5 stars. Adding this with some of my other readings I now feel as if I have a much more accurate and nuanced view of Murray's book, which I am grateful for. At this point, I would accept their main argument, but would probably throw out or amend many of their supporting details (thanks in large part to many of the illustrious authors whose commentaries are in this book); however, I have not yet concerned myself as much with mulling over policy implications.
I have to disagree with the other reviewer; the scientists that wrote this book (it is not a single study, but many) did not seem outraged, but very respectful and sincere.
It is hard to give a book like this a proper rating, as I would rather rate each article individually. But I will say that I probably would have given two of them 2 stars, a few 3 stars, but the majority 4 or 5 stars. Adding this with some of my other readings I now feel as if I have a much more accurate and nuanced view of Murray's book, which I am grateful for. At this point, I would accept their main argument, but would probably throw out or amend many of their supporting details (thanks in large part to many of the illustrious authors whose commentaries are in this book); however, I have not yet concerned myself as much with mulling over policy implications.
August 13, 2024
AN INTERDISCIPLINARY CRITIQUE OF "THE BELL CURVE"
The contributors wrote in the Preface to this 1997 book, "the reported statistical work in 'The Bell Curve' would require much input from others, and considerable space of the sort not available in the usual professional journals or in standard nontechnical publications. This we conceived of an unedited volume of response that attempted to take stock, in depth and from a variety of disciplinary perspectives, of the claims in 'The Bell Curve.' The contributors to this volume were selected for their expertise and for their interest in 'The Bell Curve.'"
One writer suggests, "The evidence for the environmental hypothesis includes the fact that IQ increased by more than one standard deviation in the past 30 years. Moreover, results of studies examining the effects of adoption, increased nutrition, and enhanced education all indicate that IQ is malleable to varying degrees. It would be a mistake, however, to claim that the races exhibit no differences in any genes critical to IQ, as this is almost impossible. The most likely scenarios if that the IQ differential is predominantly due to environmental effects." (Pg. 63)
Another notes, "The fact that an extra year of schooling can have a large impact on measured cognitive ability belies the pessimism of [Richard Herrnstein and Charles Murray] about the efficacy of interventions." (Pg. 181) Another essayist states, "Ironically, then, if the effect of education on IQ is within the broad range we have estimated, The Bell Curve's demonstration of the importance of IQ for social and economic success... provides evidence for the importance of educational investment as a policy instrument, quite contrary to the conclusions that one might reach from reading The Bell Curve." (Pg. 232)
One writer points out, "Because the social environment is shown to be as influential as IQ in predicting criminal activity, social policy must continue to battle against social, racial and economic inequalities that pervade life in America if crime rates are ever to be reduced in an effective manner." (Pg. 254)
This is another excellent book to contradict the conclusions of 'The Bell Curve,' along with 'The Bell Curve Debate,' 'The Bell Curve Wars: Race, Intelligence, and the Future of America,' 'Measured Lies: The Bell Curve Examined', etc.
The contributors wrote in the Preface to this 1997 book, "the reported statistical work in 'The Bell Curve' would require much input from others, and considerable space of the sort not available in the usual professional journals or in standard nontechnical publications. This we conceived of an unedited volume of response that attempted to take stock, in depth and from a variety of disciplinary perspectives, of the claims in 'The Bell Curve.' The contributors to this volume were selected for their expertise and for their interest in 'The Bell Curve.'"
One writer suggests, "The evidence for the environmental hypothesis includes the fact that IQ increased by more than one standard deviation in the past 30 years. Moreover, results of studies examining the effects of adoption, increased nutrition, and enhanced education all indicate that IQ is malleable to varying degrees. It would be a mistake, however, to claim that the races exhibit no differences in any genes critical to IQ, as this is almost impossible. The most likely scenarios if that the IQ differential is predominantly due to environmental effects." (Pg. 63)
Another notes, "The fact that an extra year of schooling can have a large impact on measured cognitive ability belies the pessimism of [Richard Herrnstein and Charles Murray] about the efficacy of interventions." (Pg. 181) Another essayist states, "Ironically, then, if the effect of education on IQ is within the broad range we have estimated, The Bell Curve's demonstration of the importance of IQ for social and economic success... provides evidence for the importance of educational investment as a policy instrument, quite contrary to the conclusions that one might reach from reading The Bell Curve." (Pg. 232)
One writer points out, "Because the social environment is shown to be as influential as IQ in predicting criminal activity, social policy must continue to battle against social, racial and economic inequalities that pervade life in America if crime rates are ever to be reduced in an effective manner." (Pg. 254)
This is another excellent book to contradict the conclusions of 'The Bell Curve,' along with 'The Bell Curve Debate,' 'The Bell Curve Wars: Race, Intelligence, and the Future of America,' 'Measured Lies: The Bell Curve Examined', etc.
January 22, 2011
the scientists that did this study were really outraged. this means that the original Bell Curve was either complete garbage or right on the money. don't know yet. haven't read The Bell Curve.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews