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Jurij Fedorov's Reviews > In the Know
In the Know
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Introduction 1
7,5/10
I just read Charles Murray's Human Diversity and was just struggling to understand the concept and ideas in the audiobook as the writing was very dry and academic. This intro reveals a much more accessible book.
I've read some of Warne's papers and they were in the top 1% of easiest academic papers to read. This book is surprisingly just as well-written.
Though the chapter does at times jump through points. So we read about how IQ measures things besides general intelligence yet it's not explained what that is. This at times feels like an overview of definitions.
section 1 the nature of intelligence
1 Intelligence Is Whatever Collection of Tasks a Psychologist Puts on a Test 31
7/10
There are some assumptions taken in this book that I don't know if are true. Grip strength and running speed are said to not measure intelligence. I'm not sure that's true. IQ even predicts things like health. That alone could give you some correlation between IQ and grip strength, though maybe a very small one.
I also really wanted factor analysis to be presented. Maybe a simple formula would do.
The chapter itself is essential and must-read for social scientists.
2 Intelligence Is Too Complex to Summarize with One Number 35
7/10
A weird chapter. Very short and jumps to the final conclusion as positive manifold is not really explained with a formula or example. The reader has to accept that it measures what the smart men in lab coats want it to measure and therefore the results are valid. I'm not sure that's a completely proper selling point. Critical readers may just choose not to believe the conclusions and nothing here can dispute such critical thinking.
3 IQ Does Not Correspond to Brain Anatomy or Functioning 40
8/10
Very convincing chapter that has one main point, brain size and intelligence correlate.
There are some extra points about white brain matter and biological intelligence theories, but these are not expanded upon, but rather just mentioned.
4 Intelligence Is a Western Concept that Does Not Apply to Non-Western Cultures 46
7/10
A good chapter. Unfortunately it's largely just based on Warne's own single study of g factor found in 31 different cultures. I kinda wanted more varied evidence. It's enough to convince me, but since he doesn't even give us data from his study we yet again need to trust the science without seeing it.
5 There Are Multiple Intelligences in the Human Mind 52
9/10
A chapter that brings emotional opinions and jabs to the forefront which is nice when the topic is silly and the book is long. Fine style for weak and silly theories.
6 Practical Intelligence Is a Real Ability, Separate from General Intelligence 62
8/10
Finally someone tackles this idea head on and defeats it.
The chapter is quite repetitive in that the theory is presented multiple times. It's also peculiar that the correlations between IQ and practical things are not yet introduced.
section 2 measuring intelligence
7 Measuring Intelligence Is Difficult 73
9/10
I like this chapter. It's nothing new for informed psychologists, but it's a direct and transparent intro to "IQ" testing. You get the info on the page instead of just references. It's also something you actually don't really find in many psychology textbooks, I've read quite a few. This direct description of g factor is a step further than what many low-tier academics admit to as it reveals more determinism than anything else in psychology.
8 The Content of Intelligence Tests Is Trivial and Cannot Measure Intelligence 80
8/10
Strong chapter. The importance of this message makes me rate this chapter high and I recommend all school teachers read it. It's one of the most common critiques of "IQ" tests and used as a reason for replacing them. Unfortunately the replacement tests and concepts are always worse and even less reliable.
9 Intelligence Tests Are Imperfect and Cannot Be Used or Trusted 85
8/10
It's a bit simple, but it's a perfect chapter for teachers who question intelligence testing.
10 Intelligence Tests Are Biased against Diverse Populations 90
9/10
The most well-researched chapter! It's just a lot of small historical info dumps revealing how "IQ" tests were actually never unfair towards any one group. For people who already trust "IQ" tests this is the best chapter so far as it gives you deeper info.
About the BITCH "IQ" test that actually tests ghetto slang knowledge. High IQ people are actually better at figuring this stuff out which is why you'll have Black kids do very well, but also high IQ White kids do very well and end up not measuring intelligence.
11 IQ Only Reflects a Person’s Socioeconomic Status 107
7/10
Part of this chapter are some of the strongest points in the book. But largely it holds back from introducing the most potent evidence for this case and becomes kinda half-hearted compared to former chapters or books like The Blank Slate, The Nurture Assumption and Blueprint. I feel like the book is biased in erroring on the side of environmental claims the same way Charles Murray does in his books.
12 High Heritability for Intelligence Means that Raising IQ Is Impossible 114
7/10
A very nice chapter.
One main issue I have with it is how it mixes developed and undeveloped nations to make a point. It's still a good point, but I think this is confusing enough to mislead readers. We know extremely bad environment has an influence on people. We just can't apply the lessons 1-to-1 to developed nations and increase IQ or height there. This point is made clear, but layman readers may still think that we just need to invent an IQ pill or IQ glasses as there is more to influence. There might not be.
13 Genes Are Not Important for Determining Intelligence 120
6,5/10
A serviceable chapter. Nothing more. It's just that it answers a philosophical question with a philosophical answer. If people still have this question their intellect won't really make them understand philosophy like this. The answer could have been practical case examples.
14 Environmentally Driven Changes in IQ Mean that Intelligence Is Malleable 125
7/10
Growing up in middle- and upperclass households increases your IQ by 4-5 points? It's a huge assumption to just state without introducing the studies. Chapter 11 has the same claim.
Besides that it's a very philosophical chapter again unfortunately lacking more practical examples. But it's a super important answer.
15 Social Interventions Can Drastically Raise IQ 133
8,5/10
Very strong must-read chapter. Only issue I have with it is again culture influence expectations for future experiments, again without any evidence used. I agree with the ideas somewhat, but they are still loose ideas and may turn out to be untrue. Besides this it's yet another chapter with very good experiments presented and here they are presented in full which is glorious!
16 Brain-Training Programs Can Raise IQ 143
8/10
Not the most exciting chapter, but does answer the question in a more clear and direct way than the preceding chapters in this section. Finally we learn that g factor cannot be changed by any known single tool in the West.
17 Improvability of IQ Means Intelligence Can Be Equalized 149
8/10
Last chapter of the section. Pretty direct answer with a great example from post-WW2 Warsaw. These examples and fully presented experiments are by far the best part of the book for anyone interested in social science.
section 4 intelligence and education
18 Every Child Is Gifted 159
8/10
Really good chapter with clear focus in evidence and practical examples and a great rebuttal of the Pygmalion in the Classroom findings.
To me gifted is not perfectly defined here. A gifted student is not the same as a gifted individual. Being a good student may mean you have high enough IQ and like reading books or love authority. Being gifted like Einstein, Steve Jobs or Bill Gates is quite different. Einstein didn't get perfect grades - he didn't need to. Steve Jobs and Bill Gates dropped out of college. They weren't gifted?
Also, we are not introduced to the "IQ and various school subjects" correlation.
19 Effective Schools Can Make Every Child Academically Proficient 169
8/10
It's a technical chapter with a few practical examples largely focused on the intellectual argument. It may be the best intro chapter in the book. For teachers and people who work with kids this is essential info.
20 Non-cognitive Variables Have Powerful Effects on Academic Achievement 176
7,5/10
Good chapter. Another chapter explaining many different alternative theories all fighting against IQ. The grit page is good. Direct critique and clear point. The other critiques are holding a bit back. The mindset theory is disputed, but largely criticised studies from Dweck herself are used to critique her own dear theory. The footnotes are actually more direct in that outsider studies are presented showing no effects for mindset theory. The critique is good, but it has that academic style of holding back - except in the great and funny footnotes.
21 Admissions Tests Are a Barrier to College for Underrepresented Students 186
8/10
Very important lesson. Maybe a bit drier than other chapters and lacks a few more examples to be complete.
section 5 life consequences of intelligence
22 IQ Scores Only Measure How Good Someone Is at Taking Tests 197
7,5/10
I don't quite get the argument about test taking because no clear study or source is used to dismiss any test taking counter-claim. But the first part of the chapter is essential as it tells us what IQ predicts in real life.
23 Intelligence Is Not Important in the Workplace 204
8/10
Very important chapter. IQ is extremely important for the workplace.
24 Intelligence Tests Are Designed to Create or Perpetuate a False Meritocracy 215
8/10
Important nearly purely philosophical look at intelligence and how we should look at it predicting job success. Ideas about how we can structure our society with huge top-down force. But none of these insane ideas are recommended, they are just used as thought experiments.
25 Very High Intelligence Is Not More Beneficial than Moderately High Intelligence 223
8/10
Very important chapter. There is no cut-off level for IQ. Higher IQ is likely better all the way to the top. There is absolutely nothing to show otherwise.
26 Emotional Intelligence Is a Real Ability that Is Helpful in Life 229
8/10
Could have been nice with an even more critical look at EQ because it's such a weak and unspecific concept. Defining it would solve this problem. This is a great critique of EQ though.
section 6 demographic group differences
27 Males and Females Have the Same Distribution of IQ Scores 239
9/10
I like this chapter. Very strong intro to intelligence differences, but obviously it's only 10% of all evidence. It could be nice to see the "IQ" tests that sexes differ on. Women scorer higher on the Digit Symbol test. This info and a visual image could have been nice.
28 Racial/Ethnic Group IQ Differences Are Completely Environmental in Origin 247
9,5/10
Best chapter so far. I do enjoy the centrist point of view here because it takes a standpoint that is so weak that it's extremely easy to defend. Maybe it's better to just take a step back and let both sides have some wins. It makes the chapter perfect for school settings or for people who don't fully believe in "IQ" testing.
Only thing missing is more biological differences like race head size/brain size differences. Genetic studies are good, but harder to understand for layman readers.
29 Unique Influences Operate on One Group’s Intelligence Test Scores 264
7,5/10
It's a good chapter, but it's quite difficult to understand some of these great points.
30 Stereotype Threat Explains Score Gaps among Demographic Groups 273
8,5/10
Very strong chapter. My only issue with it is that it leaves you on a note of "a big study is in the works so we'll have to wait and see". It's not really a conclusion to the topic. Many academic papers end this way, but it feels a bit inconclusive.
section 7 societal and ethical issues
31 Controversial or Unpopular Ideas Should Be Held to a Higher Standard of Evidence 287
8/10
Good but simple overview over how controversial scientific ideas are more feared than they actually harm.
32 Past Controversies Taint Modern Research on Intelligence 296
9/10
Interesting chapter with a lot of points not seen in other books which makes it unique compared to everything I've read anywhere.
The definition issue is still a thing here in that eugenics is just presented as a word not as a term. Liberal eugenics for example is not evil or bad. It's a free choice informed by opinion or maybe supported by an offered profit. While the historical eugenics was state-run and forced top-down. Warne often shows his clear personal disgust towards eugenics on these pages without ever clearly stating what part he hates.
The last chapter actually illustrated this. Research into g factor genes is largely halted today. Parents have less data and info to make choices. Ergo less eugenics is going on than would be possible if extreme scientific censoring was not happening.
33 Intelligence Research Leads to Negative Social Policies 309
8/10
Answering some questions I had after the last chapter. Very philosophical and overall obvious argument that still is a fine addition to the book.
34 Intelligence Research Undermines the Fight against Inequality 317
8/10
It's fine. It's stuff you must have concluded from the other chapters already. But I guess it needed to be said.
35 Everyone Is About as Smart as I Am 328
9/10
I like it. Strong chapter. Still lacking a ton of extra studies though. The book often explains moral and philosophical ideas instead of introducing more studies. Project 100.000 is an amazing example, but I could have used 2-3 more such examples.
Conclusion 336
7/10
Good conclusion with quite a few extra points. Also nice that national IQs are mentioned, but I'm let down by how little space it got. Before the topic was even introduced it was already dismissed outright. And that's in a book where plenty of pseudoscience was introduced fairly with 2 pages before being attacked. How come famous IQ areas get less respect than factually wrong claims?
7,5/10
I just read Charles Murray's Human Diversity and was just struggling to understand the concept and ideas in the audiobook as the writing was very dry and academic. This intro reveals a much more accessible book.
I've read some of Warne's papers and they were in the top 1% of easiest academic papers to read. This book is surprisingly just as well-written.
Though the chapter does at times jump through points. So we read about how IQ measures things besides general intelligence yet it's not explained what that is. This at times feels like an overview of definitions.
section 1 the nature of intelligence
1 Intelligence Is Whatever Collection of Tasks a Psychologist Puts on a Test 31
7/10
There are some assumptions taken in this book that I don't know if are true. Grip strength and running speed are said to not measure intelligence. I'm not sure that's true. IQ even predicts things like health. That alone could give you some correlation between IQ and grip strength, though maybe a very small one.
I also really wanted factor analysis to be presented. Maybe a simple formula would do.
The chapter itself is essential and must-read for social scientists.
2 Intelligence Is Too Complex to Summarize with One Number 35
7/10
A weird chapter. Very short and jumps to the final conclusion as positive manifold is not really explained with a formula or example. The reader has to accept that it measures what the smart men in lab coats want it to measure and therefore the results are valid. I'm not sure that's a completely proper selling point. Critical readers may just choose not to believe the conclusions and nothing here can dispute such critical thinking.
3 IQ Does Not Correspond to Brain Anatomy or Functioning 40
8/10
Very convincing chapter that has one main point, brain size and intelligence correlate.
There are some extra points about white brain matter and biological intelligence theories, but these are not expanded upon, but rather just mentioned.
4 Intelligence Is a Western Concept that Does Not Apply to Non-Western Cultures 46
7/10
A good chapter. Unfortunately it's largely just based on Warne's own single study of g factor found in 31 different cultures. I kinda wanted more varied evidence. It's enough to convince me, but since he doesn't even give us data from his study we yet again need to trust the science without seeing it.
5 There Are Multiple Intelligences in the Human Mind 52
9/10
A chapter that brings emotional opinions and jabs to the forefront which is nice when the topic is silly and the book is long. Fine style for weak and silly theories.
6 Practical Intelligence Is a Real Ability, Separate from General Intelligence 62
8/10
Finally someone tackles this idea head on and defeats it.
The chapter is quite repetitive in that the theory is presented multiple times. It's also peculiar that the correlations between IQ and practical things are not yet introduced.
section 2 measuring intelligence
7 Measuring Intelligence Is Difficult 73
9/10
I like this chapter. It's nothing new for informed psychologists, but it's a direct and transparent intro to "IQ" testing. You get the info on the page instead of just references. It's also something you actually don't really find in many psychology textbooks, I've read quite a few. This direct description of g factor is a step further than what many low-tier academics admit to as it reveals more determinism than anything else in psychology.
8 The Content of Intelligence Tests Is Trivial and Cannot Measure Intelligence 80
8/10
Strong chapter. The importance of this message makes me rate this chapter high and I recommend all school teachers read it. It's one of the most common critiques of "IQ" tests and used as a reason for replacing them. Unfortunately the replacement tests and concepts are always worse and even less reliable.
9 Intelligence Tests Are Imperfect and Cannot Be Used or Trusted 85
8/10
It's a bit simple, but it's a perfect chapter for teachers who question intelligence testing.
10 Intelligence Tests Are Biased against Diverse Populations 90
9/10
The most well-researched chapter! It's just a lot of small historical info dumps revealing how "IQ" tests were actually never unfair towards any one group. For people who already trust "IQ" tests this is the best chapter so far as it gives you deeper info.
About the BITCH "IQ" test that actually tests ghetto slang knowledge. High IQ people are actually better at figuring this stuff out which is why you'll have Black kids do very well, but also high IQ White kids do very well and end up not measuring intelligence.
11 IQ Only Reflects a Person’s Socioeconomic Status 107
7/10
Part of this chapter are some of the strongest points in the book. But largely it holds back from introducing the most potent evidence for this case and becomes kinda half-hearted compared to former chapters or books like The Blank Slate, The Nurture Assumption and Blueprint. I feel like the book is biased in erroring on the side of environmental claims the same way Charles Murray does in his books.
12 High Heritability for Intelligence Means that Raising IQ Is Impossible 114
7/10
A very nice chapter.
One main issue I have with it is how it mixes developed and undeveloped nations to make a point. It's still a good point, but I think this is confusing enough to mislead readers. We know extremely bad environment has an influence on people. We just can't apply the lessons 1-to-1 to developed nations and increase IQ or height there. This point is made clear, but layman readers may still think that we just need to invent an IQ pill or IQ glasses as there is more to influence. There might not be.
13 Genes Are Not Important for Determining Intelligence 120
6,5/10
A serviceable chapter. Nothing more. It's just that it answers a philosophical question with a philosophical answer. If people still have this question their intellect won't really make them understand philosophy like this. The answer could have been practical case examples.
14 Environmentally Driven Changes in IQ Mean that Intelligence Is Malleable 125
7/10
Growing up in middle- and upperclass households increases your IQ by 4-5 points? It's a huge assumption to just state without introducing the studies. Chapter 11 has the same claim.
Besides that it's a very philosophical chapter again unfortunately lacking more practical examples. But it's a super important answer.
15 Social Interventions Can Drastically Raise IQ 133
8,5/10
Very strong must-read chapter. Only issue I have with it is again culture influence expectations for future experiments, again without any evidence used. I agree with the ideas somewhat, but they are still loose ideas and may turn out to be untrue. Besides this it's yet another chapter with very good experiments presented and here they are presented in full which is glorious!
16 Brain-Training Programs Can Raise IQ 143
8/10
Not the most exciting chapter, but does answer the question in a more clear and direct way than the preceding chapters in this section. Finally we learn that g factor cannot be changed by any known single tool in the West.
17 Improvability of IQ Means Intelligence Can Be Equalized 149
8/10
Last chapter of the section. Pretty direct answer with a great example from post-WW2 Warsaw. These examples and fully presented experiments are by far the best part of the book for anyone interested in social science.
section 4 intelligence and education
18 Every Child Is Gifted 159
8/10
Really good chapter with clear focus in evidence and practical examples and a great rebuttal of the Pygmalion in the Classroom findings.
To me gifted is not perfectly defined here. A gifted student is not the same as a gifted individual. Being a good student may mean you have high enough IQ and like reading books or love authority. Being gifted like Einstein, Steve Jobs or Bill Gates is quite different. Einstein didn't get perfect grades - he didn't need to. Steve Jobs and Bill Gates dropped out of college. They weren't gifted?
Also, we are not introduced to the "IQ and various school subjects" correlation.
19 Effective Schools Can Make Every Child Academically Proficient 169
8/10
It's a technical chapter with a few practical examples largely focused on the intellectual argument. It may be the best intro chapter in the book. For teachers and people who work with kids this is essential info.
20 Non-cognitive Variables Have Powerful Effects on Academic Achievement 176
7,5/10
Good chapter. Another chapter explaining many different alternative theories all fighting against IQ. The grit page is good. Direct critique and clear point. The other critiques are holding a bit back. The mindset theory is disputed, but largely criticised studies from Dweck herself are used to critique her own dear theory. The footnotes are actually more direct in that outsider studies are presented showing no effects for mindset theory. The critique is good, but it has that academic style of holding back - except in the great and funny footnotes.
21 Admissions Tests Are a Barrier to College for Underrepresented Students 186
8/10
Very important lesson. Maybe a bit drier than other chapters and lacks a few more examples to be complete.
section 5 life consequences of intelligence
22 IQ Scores Only Measure How Good Someone Is at Taking Tests 197
7,5/10
I don't quite get the argument about test taking because no clear study or source is used to dismiss any test taking counter-claim. But the first part of the chapter is essential as it tells us what IQ predicts in real life.
23 Intelligence Is Not Important in the Workplace 204
8/10
Very important chapter. IQ is extremely important for the workplace.
24 Intelligence Tests Are Designed to Create or Perpetuate a False Meritocracy 215
8/10
Important nearly purely philosophical look at intelligence and how we should look at it predicting job success. Ideas about how we can structure our society with huge top-down force. But none of these insane ideas are recommended, they are just used as thought experiments.
25 Very High Intelligence Is Not More Beneficial than Moderately High Intelligence 223
8/10
Very important chapter. There is no cut-off level for IQ. Higher IQ is likely better all the way to the top. There is absolutely nothing to show otherwise.
26 Emotional Intelligence Is a Real Ability that Is Helpful in Life 229
8/10
Could have been nice with an even more critical look at EQ because it's such a weak and unspecific concept. Defining it would solve this problem. This is a great critique of EQ though.
section 6 demographic group differences
27 Males and Females Have the Same Distribution of IQ Scores 239
9/10
I like this chapter. Very strong intro to intelligence differences, but obviously it's only 10% of all evidence. It could be nice to see the "IQ" tests that sexes differ on. Women scorer higher on the Digit Symbol test. This info and a visual image could have been nice.
28 Racial/Ethnic Group IQ Differences Are Completely Environmental in Origin 247
9,5/10
Best chapter so far. I do enjoy the centrist point of view here because it takes a standpoint that is so weak that it's extremely easy to defend. Maybe it's better to just take a step back and let both sides have some wins. It makes the chapter perfect for school settings or for people who don't fully believe in "IQ" testing.
Only thing missing is more biological differences like race head size/brain size differences. Genetic studies are good, but harder to understand for layman readers.
29 Unique Influences Operate on One Group’s Intelligence Test Scores 264
7,5/10
It's a good chapter, but it's quite difficult to understand some of these great points.
30 Stereotype Threat Explains Score Gaps among Demographic Groups 273
8,5/10
Very strong chapter. My only issue with it is that it leaves you on a note of "a big study is in the works so we'll have to wait and see". It's not really a conclusion to the topic. Many academic papers end this way, but it feels a bit inconclusive.
section 7 societal and ethical issues
31 Controversial or Unpopular Ideas Should Be Held to a Higher Standard of Evidence 287
8/10
Good but simple overview over how controversial scientific ideas are more feared than they actually harm.
32 Past Controversies Taint Modern Research on Intelligence 296
9/10
Interesting chapter with a lot of points not seen in other books which makes it unique compared to everything I've read anywhere.
The definition issue is still a thing here in that eugenics is just presented as a word not as a term. Liberal eugenics for example is not evil or bad. It's a free choice informed by opinion or maybe supported by an offered profit. While the historical eugenics was state-run and forced top-down. Warne often shows his clear personal disgust towards eugenics on these pages without ever clearly stating what part he hates.
The last chapter actually illustrated this. Research into g factor genes is largely halted today. Parents have less data and info to make choices. Ergo less eugenics is going on than would be possible if extreme scientific censoring was not happening.
33 Intelligence Research Leads to Negative Social Policies 309
8/10
Answering some questions I had after the last chapter. Very philosophical and overall obvious argument that still is a fine addition to the book.
34 Intelligence Research Undermines the Fight against Inequality 317
8/10
It's fine. It's stuff you must have concluded from the other chapters already. But I guess it needed to be said.
35 Everyone Is About as Smart as I Am 328
9/10
I like it. Strong chapter. Still lacking a ton of extra studies though. The book often explains moral and philosophical ideas instead of introducing more studies. Project 100.000 is an amazing example, but I could have used 2-3 more such examples.
Conclusion 336
7/10
Good conclusion with quite a few extra points. Also nice that national IQs are mentioned, but I'm let down by how little space it got. Before the topic was even introduced it was already dismissed outright. And that's in a book where plenty of pseudoscience was introduced fairly with 2 pages before being attacked. How come famous IQ areas get less respect than factually wrong claims?
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Reading Progress
August 25, 2020
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August 25, 2020
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December 15, 2020
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This is the best intro book to intelligence right now. It's very detailed and goes into areas nearly all other books overlook as they focus on the simple basics. This book not only takes common g factor ideas to new levels, but it takes social science to new levels in this popular book area. I've given plenty of good social science books 5 stars for being great even though they had a ton of major factual mistakes in many chapters. This book on the other hand is factually valid. There is always a fight over how big the numbers are or what evidence is clear, but for once I couldn't find any claims that were ridiculously and pathetically wrong. I can do that in 100% social science textbooks on the other hand. Usually I can find claims so ignorant that the whole book seems lazy.
This book will get very popular and become widely read in rational circles. Unfortunately, it's about 75 pages too long to be an ideal short intro for busy layman readers. Haier's great The Great Courses lecture series is still the ideal intro for absolute beginners or teens. Without colorful images and this medium length the book will just not be the ideal starting point for all readers.
It's a centrist take that errors on the environmental side and often even predicts that future studies will show a greater environmental effect. Something we just can't know. I think this bias is acceptable here because the topic is so controversial that it makes sense you'd want to pull quite a few punches to avoid a The Bell Curve scenario. The book is therefore fully uncontroversial. A perfect read for the progressive academic.
The philosophy ending of the book goes so far into the philosophical argument that I have a hard time imagining a stats geek having written it. It's advanced philosophy that surpasses every other IQ book 10-fold. This alone makes it go way beyond any other IQ intro material except Linda Gottfredson's articles.
This is the intro you recommend people who want to learn about IQ. But I still hope it will soon be replaced by a glorious colorful textbook on IQ or a full documentary. That would be so amazing. Right now it sits at the top… for now. Hopefully it won't stay at the top for 10-20 years. That would be depressing.
There are also quite a few IQ points or missing or lacking in the book. They will be added or expanded upon in the second edition I assume. Here are just some of that points at the top of my head:
- Battery of "IQ" tests explained in greater detail. Color spectrum and reaction time tests expanded upon. A bunch of photos of tests and descriptions at the very start. 2 full pages at least. In textbooks tests always get those pretty colorful photos and they make the chapters.
- CEOs, leaders, geniuses explained fully. Historical IQ estimates - important area in psychology.
- Economic output explained. How much does 1 extra IQ point of a country mean for GDP?
- More from other countries besides USA? More Japanese, Chinese or African anecdotes or studies if they even exist at the same level.
- National IQ and how it predicts GDP, wages and life quality. Include it BEFORE dismissing it.
- Extreme training theories like with autistic children. This is 90% already there though.
- AI predicting IQ to a high degree from faces or writing alone, people predicting IQ from faces alone or text or audio. IQ compared to other predictions here.
- More about intelligence of other species and even dog breeds ranked.
- Evolutionary psychology used way more. It's used a tiny bit, but several passages are directly EP points without even naming the field or the studies showing all that stuff like sex differences and how universal interpersonal instincts may be the basis for much of EQ. Like the instincts to spot cheaters described by Toby and Cosmides.
- Social Darwinism, IQ for groups and in areas of society or in companies. Cities being low or high IQ predicting crime and wages.
- More about the history of group selection like the Jew theory. It's a huge one and should at least have gotten a full paragraph no matter if you support it or not. It is not conclusively proven, but yet widely accepted.
- More about the research. Difficulties getting monetary support. Haier's brain scans: high IQ people use LESS brain power when thinking than low IQ people. Even though their brains solve much more.
- A list of popular reading and viewing material. Like The Great Courses lecture called The Intelligent Brain, Linda Gottfredson's amazing intro articles and such.
- Links to free sites and especially IQ tests. That one can be very popular indeed. People are mad about IQ tests. They would click the link like crazy.
- IQ and various school subject correlation. Where is the table?
- IQ averages for university majors. This is obviously essential as it reveals a ton with just one table. Maybe verbal and math IQ getting more space.
Many of these things are mentioned, but a ton of details are still missing. Much of this needs tables or photos.