Eysenck argues that there are racial differences in IQ, with blacks having lower
ID: 3493506 • Letter: E
Question
Eysenck argues that there are racial differences in IQ, with blacks having lower IQs than whites. He argued those differences are due to genetics and that environment is a minimal factor. Do you think there could be other explanations? What are your thoughts?
2. Do you think scientists should publish research findings that are controversial and/or that may lead some people to, in some way, suffer from those findings? Was Eysenck right or wrong to stand behind what he believed, despite tremendous criticism and threats to his personal safety?
Explanation / Answer
Intelligence Tests are administered to measure the Intelligence Quotient (IQ) of an individual. Intelligence Tests were first introduced to diagnose slow learners or children with mental retardation. However, it is also used to identify the 'gifted'. It is indeed true that genetics play an important role in intelligence. An individual whose parents score high on the IQ test, is most likely to score high on intelligence test as well. However, it is not the only determinant or factor in intelligence. Environmental factors play an equally important role. If the environment that they are brought up in, does not have enough resources or good teachers or schools, they are ought to not be aware of the world and it's doings like individuals from other countries are. Most intelligence tests are a combination of memory, verbal associations, spatial reasoning, learning, thinking, problem-solving and etcetera. The population that the test is administered upon is important to consider as Cognitive intelligence is dependent on an individual's education, upbringing, culture, social classes and races. The blacks have a more difficult life as compared to the whites. The blacks don't have an easy access to the internet, or good quality teachers and schools which is ought to result in lower IQ in comparison to the whites. Genetics is not the only component which defines the racial differences in IO with blacks having lower IQs than whites.
Research and theories are developed for better understanding of the world. It is important to publish newly found research results. I reckon, Eysenck was not wrong in publishing or standing behind what he believed. If he had not published the results that he did, genetics as an aspect would have completely been zeroed out as a factor which influences intelligence. Thus, it was right on his part to impart the knowledge that he learnt from his research.
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