IQ Tests and learning LO9453

msa@panix.com
Sun, 25 Aug 1996 18:45:39 -0400 (EDT)

Been following the various threads on IQ and learning and I'd like to throw my
hat into the ring with a slightly different slant. First, IQ (eg. Bell Curve).
IQ tests are POPULATION studies. They will also tell you the PROPORTION of
people who will "most likely" succeed in college over the ENTIRE population.
Regardless of Color,Creed or anything else. These tests are absolutely
MEANINGLESS when it comes to INDIVIDUALS. It is the POPULATION as a WHOLE and
the PROPORTIONS of people in each "category" that matter. Furthermore, even if
the individual IQ scores actually "meant" something they would tell you nothing
of how you got there, where you were going, or how it came to be.

Second, Learning. I am a firm believer that if there was any universal "purpose"
to human endeavor it would be to make things as easy and comfortable for
ourselves as we could possibly make it. This is not laziness. It is a matter of
being on "cruise control". This helps us get through the everyday nonsense we
have to "deal" with. You must always "unlearn" in order to learn something
"new". "Learning" something new signifies a "change" in Thought, action, etc. A
"change" indicates that something "was" a different way. No? Anyway, keep up the
great conversations (Threads).

Marc Abrams
msa@panix.com

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msa@panix.com

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