In the Know
Debunking 35 Myths about Human Intelligence

Out with the myths and in with the truth. Learn what intelligence really means from a qualified expert.

Russell T. Warne (Author)

9781108493345, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 29 October 2020

434 pages
23.4 x 15.8 x 2.4 cm, 0.81 kg

'In the Know is a must-read for anyone who wants to learn more about the fascinating science of human intelligence.' Noah Carl, The Critic

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.

Introduction
Section 1. The Nature of Intelligence: 1. Intelligence is whatever collection of tasks a psychologist puts on a test
2. Intelligence is too complex to summarize with one number
3. IQ does not correspond to brain anatomy or functioning
4. Intelligence is a western concept that does not apply to non-western cultures
5. There are multiple intelligences in the human mind
6. Practical intelligence is a real ability, separate from general intelligence
Section 2. Measuring Intelligence: 7. Measuring intelligence is difficult
8. Content of intelligence tests is trivial and cannot measure intelligence
9. Intelligence tests are imperfect and cannot be used or trusted
10. Intelligence tests are biased against diverse populations
Section 3. Influences on Intelligence: 11. IQ only reflects a person's socioeconomic status
12. High heritability for intelligence means that raising IQ is impossible
13. Genes are not important for determining intelligence
14. Environmentally driven changes in IQ mean that intelligence is malleable
15. Social interventions can drastically raise IQ
16. Brain-training programs can raise IQ
17. Improvability of IQ means intelligence can be equalized
Section 4. Intelligence and Education: 18. Every child is gifted
19. Effective schools can make every child academically proficient
20. Non-cognitive variables have powerful effects on academic achievement
21. Admissions tests are a barrier to college for underrepresented students
Section 5. Life Consequences of Intelligence: 22. IQ scores only measure how good someone is at taking tests
23. Intelligence is not important in the workplace
24. Intelligence tests are designed to create or perpetuate a false meritocracy
25. Very high intelligence is not more beneficial than moderately high intelligence
26. Emotional intelligence is a real ability that is helpful in life
Section 6. Demographic Group Differences: 27 Males and females have the same distribution of IQ scores
28. Racial/ethnic group IQ differences are completely environmental in origin
29. Unique influences operate on one group's intelligence test scores
30. Stereotype threat explains score gaps among demographic groups
Section 7. Societal and Ethical Issues: 31. Controversial or unpopular ideas should be held to a higher standard of evidence
32. Past controversies taint modern research on intelligence
33. Intelligence research leads to negative social policies
34. Intelligence research undermines the fight against inequality
35. Everyone is about as smart as I am
Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Cognition & cognitive psychology [JMR], Psychology [JM]