Skeptic Magazine Interview With Robert Sternberg on The Bell Curve

[Carlos Hernandez]

From Skeptic vol. 3, no. 3, 1995, pp. 72-80.
The following article is copyright © 1995 by the Skeptics Society, P.O. Box 338, Altadena, CA 91001, (818) 794-3119. Permission has been granted for noncommercial electronic circulation of this article in its entirety, including this notice. For more information, visit www.skeptic.com

Skeptic Magazine Interview With Robert Sternberg on The Bell Curve

Complete text at http://www.skeptic.com/03.3.fm-sternberg-interview.html

 

[Carlos Hernandez]

Sternberg recites the standard refrain quite well. Two serious omissions that never get brought up is 1) has anyone been able to respond to Jensen's "factor X," if the difference is environmental - then show it! The second is, are Whites environmentally deprived because we have lower IQs than East Asians or Ashkenazi Jews? The IQ debate about average intelligence between races is purely political. Sternberg is allied somewhat with Gardner, who has been completely discredited because his theory of multiple intelligences cannot be tested. It is a feel-good story for the media. Jensen's Chapter 12 is available at http://www.neoeugenics.com/ if anyone here wants to read it. It is THE rebuttal to Sternberg. One might note that when The Bell Curve issue is brought up, both the APA's "Intelligence: Knowns and Unknowns" as well as Jensen's "The g Factor" are ignored - and for good reason for the radical environmentalists. They have lost the battle, it just has not made it past the media egalitarians to the public yet.

 

[R0man]

The interview with Robert Sternberg on The Bell Curve, published in Skeptic Magazine in 1995, provides a valuable insight into the controversial book and its implications. Sternberg, a renowned psychologist and researcher, shares his thoughts on the book's claims about intelligence and race, and offers a critical analysis of its methodology and conclusions.

One of the key points Sternberg makes is that intelligence is a complex and multi-faceted concept, and cannot be reduced to a single number or factor. This goes against the central thesis of The Bell Curve, which argues that intelligence is primarily determined by genetics and that racial differences in intelligence are largely due to genetic factors. Sternberg rightly points out that this oversimplification ignores the countless other factors that can influence intelligence, such as environment, education, and motivation.

Furthermore, Sternberg highlights the flawed methodology used by the authors of The Bell Curve, particularly their reliance on IQ tests as a measure of intelligence. As Sternberg explains, IQ tests are not a perfect measure of intelligence and can be influenced by a variety of factors such as cultural biases and test-taking skills. This raises questions about the validity of the book's claims about racial differences in intelligence, as these differences may be more a reflection of the test itself rather than actual intelligence.

Sternberg also addresses the ethical implications of The Bell Curve, particularly its suggestion that certain groups are inherently less intelligent than others. He argues that this type of thinking can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and lead to discrimination and inequality. Instead, Sternberg advocates for a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of intelligence, one that recognizes the diverse abilities and potential of individuals from all backgrounds.

In conclusion, the interview with Robert Sternberg provides a valuable critique of The Bell Curve and its controversial claims. His insights challenge the simplistic and problematic notions put forth by the book, and serve as a reminder to approach discussions of intelligence and race with caution and critical thinking.