Early intelligence tests have built-in biases that correspond to the test constructor's social values. (RA)

The use of psychological and educational tests in World War I led to their adoption in schools for testing intelligence and achievement in order to classify students academically according to a national norm. After World War II, rapid changes in occupational and social structure demanded the education and identification of students for employment.…

Rather than focus on the numerous flaws in the book "The Bell Curve" (Herrnstein & Murray), this discussion focuses on the racism and bigoted beliefs of the pioneers in the mental measurement movement in the United States--beliefs which provided the background and opportunity for the publication of the book. A significant amount of…

Spells out the court-imposed limitations on the various kinds of tests commonly used in the public schools. (Author/IRT)

The psychological testing of blacks and other minorities inflicts dehumanization upon them by subjecting them to culturally-biased examinations. These tests are defended on "scientific" grounds, although it is evident that they are simply a form of institutionalized racism. Standardized tests of intelligence reflect a middle-class white bias that…

Large numbers of black children are being inappropriately labeled as handicapped. One study in California has shown that as many as 75% of the minority students in public school programs for the educable mentally retarded were not, in fact, retarded. In many instances a student's behavior, rather than pure academic performance, was the primary…

School systems are perpetuating racial segregation within integrated schools through intelligence tests and special education classes. Disproportionate numbers of blacks, American Indians, Mexican Americans and Puerto Rican Americans have been placed in classes for the emotionally disturbed or mentally retarded. Suits have been brought against the…

The standardized IQ tests which are in use in the schools are scientifically and pedagogically without merit. The construct "intelligence" is a hypothetical notion whose valid expression has yet to be born. IQ tests and the construct of intelligence can be discarded at present, and teaching strategies would be unaffected. To successful teachers…

Far-reaching ramifications for minority children of psychological assessment warrants that it be accurate, fair, and valid. This article addresses: (1) problems inherent in standardized testing; (2) a moratorium on intelligence testing; (3) alternate approaches to testing; and (4) guidelines for assessing ethnic minority groups. (LHW)

New research shows that Japanese achieved significantly higher average IQ scores than did their American counterparts. These results provide the focus of a discussion on the nature/nurture controversey, validity of using IQ scores in comparing mental capacity of races and nationality groups, and other factors related to intelligence testing. (JN)

Using the Guide to the Assessment of Test-Session Behavior for the WISC-III and WIAT (GATSB), observations were recorded for 969 children between the ages of 6 and 16 years. Children who exhibited higher levels of avoidance, inattentiveness and uncooperative behaviors while being tested tended to exhibit lower WISC-III scores. (RJM)

Urban EMR students' WISC-R scores (N=20) were compared with their previously administered WISC scores. The results of this study indicated that WISC-R scores in comparison to WISC scores appeared to be more stable in the lower IQ ranges and less vulnerable to cultural bias. (Author)

"Psychological Assessment in Education and Social Class," a paper presented at the University of Missouri conference on the "Legal and Educational Consequences of the Intelligence Testing Movement: Handicapped and Minority Group Children," is provided. The historical origins of the scheme of norm-referenced testing and the evidence questioning its…

Presents a history and analysis of the Larry P. v Wilson Riles litigation in California which prohibited the use of intelligence tests for determining eligibility of Black children for placement in educable mentally retarded programs. Argues against the court decision, and claims tests are not biased. (APM)