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In the Know: Debunking 35 Myths about Human Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is an important trait for success at work. IQ tests are biased against minorities. Every child is gifted. Preschool makes children smarter. Western understandings of intelligence are inappropriate for other cultures. These are some of the statements about intelligence that are common in the media and in popular culture. But none of them are true. In the Know is a tour of the most common incorrect beliefs about intelligence and IQ. Written in a fantastically engaging way, each chapter is dedicated to correcting a misconception and explains the real science behind intelligence. Controversies related to IQ will wither away in the face of the facts, leaving readers with a clear understanding about the truth of intelligence.
434 pages, Hardcover
Published October 29, 2020
About the author
Russell T. Warne
3 books10 followersDr. Russell T. Warne earned his Bachelor’s of Science degree in psychology from Brigham Young University in 2007 and his PhD in educational psychology (with an emphasis in research, measurement, and statistics) from Texas A&M University in 2011. He has taught at Utah Valley University since 2011 and has obtained the rank of associate professor. Dr. Warne is the associate editor for the Journal for the Education of the Gifted and serves on the editorial boards for Intelligence, the Journal of School Psychology, Gifted Child Quarterly, and the Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment.
Dr. Warne has published over 55 scholarly articles in peer reviewed journals and is the author of the acclaimed undergraduate statistics textbook Statistics for the Social Sciences: A General Linear Model Approach.
Dr. Warne has published over 55 scholarly articles in peer reviewed journals and is the author of the acclaimed undergraduate statistics textbook Statistics for the Social Sciences: A General Linear Model Approach.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 1, 2020
This is a truly wonderful book. Painstakingly referenced, with an incredible amount of depth, impressive clarity, and undeniable expertise, Russell Warne beautifully shatters many common myths about human intelligence and simultaneously enlightens the reader about this endlessly fascinating field of inquiry.
After a fairly lengthy but necessary introduction that lays the foundation for the rest of the book, Warne devotes 35 succinct but detailed chapters, each addressing one of these myths. From addressing popular but wrong folk beliefs about intelligence (e.g., “multiple intelligences” and “practical intelligence”), to myths about problems with IQ tests (e.g., that they’re biased against certain groups, aren’t useful, or don’t measure intelligence), to the causes of IQ differences among individuals and groups, Warne engagingly explains how intelligence researchers know what they know about each issue. Warne also doesn’t shy away from controversy, devoting several chapters to racial/ethnic differences in IQ and their likely causes, while always careful not to overstep the evidence and ensuring that IQ differences are not a basis for undermining the value of humans. He does all this with an endless slew of references (with helpful in-text citations that show the name and year of the article, making it very easy to see where a fact/conclusion/claim originates).
I’ve read over a dozen a books on IQ at this point and this is one of the best. If you’re at all interested in this topic, don’t miss this one.
After a fairly lengthy but necessary introduction that lays the foundation for the rest of the book, Warne devotes 35 succinct but detailed chapters, each addressing one of these myths. From addressing popular but wrong folk beliefs about intelligence (e.g., “multiple intelligences” and “practical intelligence”), to myths about problems with IQ tests (e.g., that they’re biased against certain groups, aren’t useful, or don’t measure intelligence), to the causes of IQ differences among individuals and groups, Warne engagingly explains how intelligence researchers know what they know about each issue. Warne also doesn’t shy away from controversy, devoting several chapters to racial/ethnic differences in IQ and their likely causes, while always careful not to overstep the evidence and ensuring that IQ differences are not a basis for undermining the value of humans. He does all this with an endless slew of references (with helpful in-text citations that show the name and year of the article, making it very easy to see where a fact/conclusion/claim originates).
I’ve read over a dozen a books on IQ at this point and this is one of the best. If you’re at all interested in this topic, don’t miss this one.
December 21, 2020
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?
December 28, 2020
In The Know is outstanding, and it’s led me to consider some of my own preconceptions as having been misconceptions.
What’s most impressive isn’t Warne’s command of the relevant literature, but his ability to survey and synthesize what should be dry academic material in a way that’s not only readable, but engrossing.
The book’s organization—one chapter for each myth—makes it an excellent source of reference, and none of its 350 pages are superfluous.
My only reservation is that in the book’s fourth section, Intelligence and Education, his tone noticeably deviates from the genial, these-are-the-facts style that characterizes the others. Here are some zingers:
I thought that snippets like these were funny, but I also question the wisdom of suddenly adopting a cavalier tone when discussing such a sensitive and emotionally charged subject, especially when the rest of the work is an undeniably balanced and humane inquiry. I was left to speculate that for Warne, an educational psychologist, matters of education are particularly near and dear, and that this explains the shift.
Still, this is a must-read for anyone interested in human intelligence and controversy surrounding innate psychological differences among individuals and groups.
What’s most impressive isn’t Warne’s command of the relevant literature, but his ability to survey and synthesize what should be dry academic material in a way that’s not only readable, but engrossing.
The book’s organization—one chapter for each myth—makes it an excellent source of reference, and none of its 350 pages are superfluous.
My only reservation is that in the book’s fourth section, Intelligence and Education, his tone noticeably deviates from the genial, these-are-the-facts style that characterizes the others. Here are some zingers:
What’s puzzling about the belief that every child is gifted is that no one would ever say this about adults...For some reason, total mediocrity is only permitted in adults – never children. I wonder where the non-gifted adults come from.
Yet, because the rhetoric of making every child proficient in core school subjects was appealing, the US Congress passed [the No Child Left Behind Act] that mandated the impossible. A law banning gravity by 2014 would have been equally effective.
I thought that snippets like these were funny, but I also question the wisdom of suddenly adopting a cavalier tone when discussing such a sensitive and emotionally charged subject, especially when the rest of the work is an undeniably balanced and humane inquiry. I was left to speculate that for Warne, an educational psychologist, matters of education are particularly near and dear, and that this explains the shift.
Still, this is a must-read for anyone interested in human intelligence and controversy surrounding innate psychological differences among individuals and groups.
April 5, 2021
This is one of the best literature reviews I've ever seen, on any topic. It's comprehensive, straight-to-the-point, focused on empirical evidence, clearly written.
TL;DR: intelligence is real, it is not that hard to measure, it is not a proxy for parental income, it is largely inheritable, it correlates with brain size and anatomy, it predicts important life outcomes (like academic and professional success), it differs across races in ways that cannot be attributed to environmental influences (though the distributions largely overlap and there are people of all races in all intelligence brackets). Also, Gardner's multiple intelligences theory is not falsiable (which makes it less scientific than, say, astrology).
There are a few wrinkles. Most importantly, the Flynn effect. Warne attributes it to abilities that are not related to general intelligence. But this (if correct) has important implications - maybe IQ tests need to be improved, etc - that Warne doesn't fully consider.
Also, the final chapters are a bit "meh". They are philosophical in nature, so there isn't much to engage with. (It's interesting though that in a parallel universe IQ research could be a left-wing niche - IQ differences are real and genetic and therefore weaken the "they just need to work harder" worldview.)
Overall though this is an amazing book. It should be an essential reading for policymakers, but I suspect policymakers are among the least likely to ever hear about it, let alone read it.
TL;DR: intelligence is real, it is not that hard to measure, it is not a proxy for parental income, it is largely inheritable, it correlates with brain size and anatomy, it predicts important life outcomes (like academic and professional success), it differs across races in ways that cannot be attributed to environmental influences (though the distributions largely overlap and there are people of all races in all intelligence brackets). Also, Gardner's multiple intelligences theory is not falsiable (which makes it less scientific than, say, astrology).
There are a few wrinkles. Most importantly, the Flynn effect. Warne attributes it to abilities that are not related to general intelligence. But this (if correct) has important implications - maybe IQ tests need to be improved, etc - that Warne doesn't fully consider.
Also, the final chapters are a bit "meh". They are philosophical in nature, so there isn't much to engage with. (It's interesting though that in a parallel universe IQ research could be a left-wing niche - IQ differences are real and genetic and therefore weaken the "they just need to work harder" worldview.)
Overall though this is an amazing book. It should be an essential reading for policymakers, but I suspect policymakers are among the least likely to ever hear about it, let alone read it.
September 8, 2021
In this book, Russell Warne claims to debunk 35 common myths about human intelligence. Most researchers of intelligence would probably agree with Warne in rejecting at least some of these myths as he has worded them in his chapter titles, since that wording often embodies naïve credos. But Warne then goes on to use his myths as strawmen against which to champion his own flawed and dubious view of intelligence. That view misinterprets the science, overestimates the role of heritability, and falsely implies a genetically determined Black-White IQ gap. Warne repeatedly describes his views as “mainstream” ones that are supported by a “consensus” of “experts.” Yet most researchers in this field do not align themselves with Warne’s positions, and even researchers whom Warne himself cites as authorities contradict some of his most important assertions. I have detailed these and other problems with this book in considerable depth at the following link: https://psycheandsense.com/review-warne/. That site also contains critiques of other books making bogus arguments for White genetic superiority.
February 10, 2021
Well done, good for debunking popular and politically correct nonsense about IQ measurement and its implications.
November 30, 2020
The book's goal is to combat the public's misperceptions about human intelligence (IQ) and it accomplishes this goal. The book is well researched and remarkably readable.
The book covers
1. What intelligence is
2. IQ in western and non-western contexts
3. multiple intelligences
4. how we measure intelligence
5. test bias
6. IQ and socioeconomic status
7. environmental aspects of IQ
8. genetic aspects of IQ
9. IQ and academic achievement
10. Admissions tests and underrepresented students
and much much more (this is an incomplete, rough summary of the table of contents)
One topic that was particularly interesting to me was the harsh critique of Howard Gardener's theory of Multiple Intelligences. Essentially, there is no evidence for it and he has refused to actually test his theory.
Another memorable part of the book claimed "that the issue of test bias is scientifically dead" (Hunter & Schmidt, 2000, p.151.). The book then digs into common standardized tests like the SAT, emotional intelligence (not so valid), sex differences in IQ (same on average, different distributions), and much much more.
The only objection I really had was the part of the book talking about differences in IQ between different races. The author does explain that the environment is extremely important. And I agree with this. But, I would argue that the author (and mainstream psychology) places too much faith in their research saying that the average intelligences of different races are primarily genetic in origin.
For example, just socioeconomic status is estimated to account for .658 of the deviation. I think it is that there are other variables that are hidden variables causes the bulk of the differences in IQ scores between races. I think the variables are likely obscured by the size of SES impact.
In addition, many students struggle with reading. A disproportionate percentage of these students are minorities. If you struggle with reading, you will struggle with IQ tests not because your intelligence is lacking, but because your reading ability is lacking.
If we can reduce economic disparities and if we decide to actually teach reading and math and every other subject in ways that reflect how learning happens, I suspect that the differences in IQ scores between races will be drastically reduced to being essentially statistically insignificant.
That said, the book was excellent and I would highly recommend it.
The book covers
1. What intelligence is
2. IQ in western and non-western contexts
3. multiple intelligences
4. how we measure intelligence
5. test bias
6. IQ and socioeconomic status
7. environmental aspects of IQ
8. genetic aspects of IQ
9. IQ and academic achievement
10. Admissions tests and underrepresented students
and much much more (this is an incomplete, rough summary of the table of contents)
One topic that was particularly interesting to me was the harsh critique of Howard Gardener's theory of Multiple Intelligences. Essentially, there is no evidence for it and he has refused to actually test his theory.
Another memorable part of the book claimed "that the issue of test bias is scientifically dead" (Hunter & Schmidt, 2000, p.151.). The book then digs into common standardized tests like the SAT, emotional intelligence (not so valid), sex differences in IQ (same on average, different distributions), and much much more.
The only objection I really had was the part of the book talking about differences in IQ between different races. The author does explain that the environment is extremely important. And I agree with this. But, I would argue that the author (and mainstream psychology) places too much faith in their research saying that the average intelligences of different races are primarily genetic in origin.
For example, just socioeconomic status is estimated to account for .658 of the deviation. I think it is that there are other variables that are hidden variables causes the bulk of the differences in IQ scores between races. I think the variables are likely obscured by the size of SES impact.
In addition, many students struggle with reading. A disproportionate percentage of these students are minorities. If you struggle with reading, you will struggle with IQ tests not because your intelligence is lacking, but because your reading ability is lacking.
If we can reduce economic disparities and if we decide to actually teach reading and math and every other subject in ways that reflect how learning happens, I suspect that the differences in IQ scores between races will be drastically reduced to being essentially statistically insignificant.
That said, the book was excellent and I would highly recommend it.
July 23, 2021
"If I was King of the World, everyone would have to read this book." - so the back cover quotes one Douglas K. Detterman, Louis D. Beaumont Professor Emeritus of Psychology, Case Western Reserve University. If I were King of the World, I might similarly coerce everyone's reading choice, and I'd go further to require English-speaking Professors Emeriti to master the subjunctive mood. (When describing an impossibility, one should say "If I were ..." rather than "If I was ...". Use "was" to describe something that could happen, such as "If I was to nitpick someone's grammar today...".)
With that indulgence out of the way, I have to echo the high praise for this book. The world would be less annoying if everyone were to read and understand it, although we'd still be left with all the hardship caused by inadequate intelligence (that is, the difference between the world we inhabit vs. a hypothetical world in which everyone were smart enough to gain entry to the Prometheus Society). However, unlike the good Professor Detterman evidently, I've read broadly enough to know that every expert in every field feels the same way about one or more of his or her favorite seminal texts. Every expert is keenly and painfully aware of the ignorance of the masses on whatever the expert knows, and they all want their indispensible knowledge in the core curriculum. The vast majority of people are not avid readers, and even the most avid reader can't read everything seen as necessary by someone. Perhaps the best we might hope for is that everyone who chooses to inveigh against something will have first become somewhat informed about it. Or perhaps having been informed of the existence of books such as this one, the inveigher will read them before continuing to inveigh.
This book is an excellent, perhaps even world-view-changing compendium of false beliefs about intelligence, and their scientific corrections. (It overlaps with other books I've read on the topic, and Warne cites a lot of them. The references in this book are extensive, and could occupy a person for years, if not a whole career.) Once you become aware of these false beliefs about intelligence, you'll see them everywhere. [review continued in comments due to length]
With that indulgence out of the way, I have to echo the high praise for this book. The world would be less annoying if everyone were to read and understand it, although we'd still be left with all the hardship caused by inadequate intelligence (that is, the difference between the world we inhabit vs. a hypothetical world in which everyone were smart enough to gain entry to the Prometheus Society). However, unlike the good Professor Detterman evidently, I've read broadly enough to know that every expert in every field feels the same way about one or more of his or her favorite seminal texts. Every expert is keenly and painfully aware of the ignorance of the masses on whatever the expert knows, and they all want their indispensible knowledge in the core curriculum. The vast majority of people are not avid readers, and even the most avid reader can't read everything seen as necessary by someone. Perhaps the best we might hope for is that everyone who chooses to inveigh against something will have first become somewhat informed about it. Or perhaps having been informed of the existence of books such as this one, the inveigher will read them before continuing to inveigh.
This book is an excellent, perhaps even world-view-changing compendium of false beliefs about intelligence, and their scientific corrections. (It overlaps with other books I've read on the topic, and Warne cites a lot of them. The references in this book are extensive, and could occupy a person for years, if not a whole career.) Once you become aware of these false beliefs about intelligence, you'll see them everywhere. [review continued in comments due to length]
January 7, 2021
Extremely good summary of current research about IQ and intelligence. There's no doubt that IQ is real and heritable, but that doesn't mean we have to make a society where the only thing that we value is intelligence. A lot of the reluctance for experts to discuss IQ is the fear of exactly that, but we as a society have shown time and time again that we can be compassionate to those less fortunate than us. The existence of heritable intelligence is NO justification for genocide or the removal of human rights from an individual.
"When critics impugn the very notion [of partially genetic causes of individual differences in life outcomes] … and portray it as the first step toward tragedy, they indicate that they do not trust the American people to make certain political decisions. The same people who abolished slavery, dismantled racial segregation, and destroyed Hitler would, they seem to suggest, tumble head-long into a deadly fascism. To keep us from deciding “wrongly” – from wronging democracy itself – critics justify withholding information from us."
"When critics impugn the very notion [of partially genetic causes of individual differences in life outcomes] … and portray it as the first step toward tragedy, they indicate that they do not trust the American people to make certain political decisions. The same people who abolished slavery, dismantled racial segregation, and destroyed Hitler would, they seem to suggest, tumble head-long into a deadly fascism. To keep us from deciding “wrongly” – from wronging democracy itself – critics justify withholding information from us."
February 20, 2021
To be honest, I never busied myself with studies on intelligence - despite my biological background. So when I was asked to write an article on intelligence for a German popular science magazine I was naive enough to think: „Can’t be too difficult, everybody knows what intelligence is…“ Oooops… mistake… I got quite lost in the IQ-jungle, reading, writing, starting all over again, because, really, I wanted to get this right, but my gut feeling continued to tell me that something is missing (that’s what, in my opinion, any researcher or science journalist like me should do when on unknown terrain: follow ones instinct ;)). Well, I came to realise what the missing piece was: Russel Warne’s IN THE KNOW. Back on track now. The book is comprehensive, credible, honest, with loads of references, up-to-date, and easy to understand. A must read for scientists as wells non-specialists who need to know more about intelligence. Best book. In love with it.
April 19, 2021
Great book. Very clear and very pedagogic to understand some complex notions like intelligence, g, hereditability, variance, etc.
August 24, 2021
Incredibly important book, should be read by all, especially by anyone who has any say in how society is run.
October 15, 2021
It's dismaying that there are fully 35 major misconceptions about intelligence propagated by the media and by people who influence policy decisions. This book destroys every one of those misconceptions, chapter by chapter. As Warne says: "Anyone who genuinely wants to understand humans or improve society needs to understand intelligence. The decision to ignore or deny intelligence is a decision to live in a fantasy world."
Important information, presently cogently here in this valuable book.
Important information, presently cogently here in this valuable book.
March 13, 2024
The great thing about this book is that the author seems open minded about the topic of intelligence. He gives the data about what we know but understands that we don’t have the whole story. Even if you disagree with some of what he says (which I did), he admits that he could be flawed with some reasoning.
If anything, this book is an amazing foundation about intelligence and should make anyone really question what they think they know about the topic.
If anything, this book is an amazing foundation about intelligence and should make anyone really question what they think they know about the topic.
December 25, 2020
Amazing collection of references
I'm often asked for sources when discussing intelligence research. Unfortunately, I don't index what I read.
Here it is. Oh, bliss, oh, joy!
I'm often asked for sources when discussing intelligence research. Unfortunately, I don't index what I read.
Here it is. Oh, bliss, oh, joy!
December 25, 2020
Expertly and beautifully put: “It is what it is”.
December 22, 2022
Russell Warne has written a fantastic overview of what Intelligence is (and isn't). In 35 chapters he takes on a separate common misunderstanding (myths common in the general layman public, the media and even academia), after introducing the subject, its history, methodologies and controversies in a succinct 27 page intro. His is the role of research compiler with the aim of presenting the current consensus view (or as near to a consensus as has ever existed in the field of psychology), aiming to keep it politically neutral, yet honest enough to not to let the politically driven fads corrupt his view. Overall, this is a refreshing and comprehensive survey of intelligence - a topic everyone knows exists, and yet often can't quite put their finger on...
As he concludes his intro:
"Intelligence is one of the most important topics in the social sciences. And after more than a century of research, psychologists understand more about intelligence than ever before. I hope you enjoy this fascinating topic and that it encourages you to take intelligence seriously as a scholarly topic and an influence in daily life. " (p.27)
As he concludes his intro:
"Intelligence is one of the most important topics in the social sciences. And after more than a century of research, psychologists understand more about intelligence than ever before. I hope you enjoy this fascinating topic and that it encourages you to take intelligence seriously as a scholarly topic and an influence in daily life. " (p.27)
June 8, 2023
Great. Covers a lot of the same territory as stuart ritchie's also excellent 'intelligence: all that matters,' but it's more comprehensive & dives more deeply into the areas ritchie understandably didn't. you know what i'm talking about.
as a comprehensive, back to front read, it's not the most gripping book. it does get a little dry after awhile.
but as a very useful primer & reference it's state of the art.
i wish i'd had this as a go-to in the past when i'd mixed it up on twitter & various message boards about iq topics.
as a comprehensive, back to front read, it's not the most gripping book. it does get a little dry after awhile.
but as a very useful primer & reference it's state of the art.
i wish i'd had this as a go-to in the past when i'd mixed it up on twitter & various message boards about iq topics.
October 13, 2023
One will Certainly be In The Know after Consuming this Tour De Force
A great book on the fascinating science of human intelligence. By Summarising more than a Century's work of research, Russell Invites us to Dispel with the prevalent Myths concerning Human intelligence. From Questions of measurement, To questions of morality -Though Mostly Science- Mr Warne's book Is a Indispensable Primer.
A great book on the fascinating science of human intelligence. By Summarising more than a Century's work of research, Russell Invites us to Dispel with the prevalent Myths concerning Human intelligence. From Questions of measurement, To questions of morality -Though Mostly Science- Mr Warne's book Is a Indispensable Primer.
October 22, 2021
This is an unapologetic account of intelligence science, which calls on us to look at the data, however uncomfortable. Warne takes great care to distinguish empirical from ethical issues, respectfully explaining the evidence at hand and neatly extracting the facts from the mire of myths and heated rhetoric.
January 17, 2024
In the Know: Debunking 35 Myths about Human Intelligence | Russell T. Warne
Scoring Rubric
1: baseline
2: creative contextualization bcs of "debunking the myths on human intelligence" as groundbreaking theme
2: creative conceptualization bcs of correcting a misconception and explains the real science behind intelligence
5: total points by 5
Scoring Rubric
1: baseline
2: creative contextualization bcs of "debunking the myths on human intelligence" as groundbreaking theme
2: creative conceptualization bcs of correcting a misconception and explains the real science behind intelligence
5: total points by 5
July 2, 2022
This is the most comprehensive and readable book on the market that documents the science of intelligence. While it presents itself as debunking common myths -- which it does -- it is also an excellent general introduction to the science. Highly recommended, especially for social scientists.
September 20, 2023
Excellent introduction to many topics within intelligence research. This is well referenced, incredibly well written and accessible, and a fair even handed account of the myths and the facts. It was a pleasure to read and my favourite book I've read this year.
April 30, 2024
It sure doesn't read itself.
November 2, 2023
This book was excellent and exactly what I wanted to find. I have always been interested by human intelligence and our ability to measure and understand it. Unfortunately, it is difficult to find reliable and accurate information about human intelligence.
This book gives a clear and well supported overview of human intelligence through the debunking of 35 common misconceptions that many non-experts tend to spout.
Whilst this is a book aimed at the layman, it features a range of academic concepts and references alongside some philosophical closing chapters. The author makes an effort to ensure his book is not misused to promote ideas of group superiority, whether that be race, sex, or intelligence based. Instead, he considers the potential egalitarian benefits that can come from gaining a deeper understanding of this area of psychology.
This book gives a clear and well supported overview of human intelligence through the debunking of 35 common misconceptions that many non-experts tend to spout.
Whilst this is a book aimed at the layman, it features a range of academic concepts and references alongside some philosophical closing chapters. The author makes an effort to ensure his book is not misused to promote ideas of group superiority, whether that be race, sex, or intelligence based. Instead, he considers the potential egalitarian benefits that can come from gaining a deeper understanding of this area of psychology.
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