To:

Rebecca Agosta
From: William Wiseman
Date: 9/30/14
Subject of Inquiry: IQ or Stupidity3: is the IQ test hurting our most brilliant minds?
Initial Inquiry Idea:
If a drinking problem arises in life, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) supposedly eradicates the urge
to drink. They allow for members to identify with their alcoholism and put them in the category
of past drinkers. For my inquiry, I would like to inquire on why people are sorted in a category
of intelligence at an early age (the identity recognition of AA is similar to this). This test is
known as the intelligence quotient or IQ test which is supposed to accurately determine a childs
overall mind capacity. The SAT has similar components of measuring potential. When one is
put in a subgrouping by the IQ test, does one begin to identity with it? The IQ tests and SAT test
have great potential in determining the overall capability in life. One SAT score chooses what
educational institute one can attend. In the 1940 low IQ meant castration and special schooling.
How does SAT/IQ scores affect later life? I know from personal experience that the test was
demeaning to me. When I took it at the age of 6, I scored average, and I felt somewhat
disappointed. I read stories about genius kids who scored over 200 on the test; they were moved
to special schools and given all the opportunities in the world. I was only worthy of a public
school education. My friends who scored well went to the school of their dreams. I feel SAT
scores are similar. Fail to score high enough on the test and fail acceptance into college. I was so
passionate about learning; I wanted to change the world with my thoughts. But the word average
came to my mind as I still attempt to do so. I am seeking to discover if others identify with low
scores and discover how lives are shaped through tests.
Methods:
I will most likely review cases of high IQ and figure out what happened to these people. Also I
will research the affects of categories on children. The main part of my research will be
demeaning classification systems, is the IQ test accurate at such a young age, and is IQ really
everything to life. Also, I will study what makes someone a worthy individual? Is it test scores or
other actions? I will cover SAT scoring and if it is a legitimate test. Why are tests taken into
consideration in crucial life changing decisions? Can a 4 hour period of life determine ones
intelligence?
Questions: Main
When one is put in a subgrouping by the IQ test, do they begin to identity with it? Also how
does it affect later life? Who takes scores seriously?
Questions: Secondary
Why do we seek to put our kids in a category?
How does one take that score and perceive themselves?
Is potential measured by IQ scores? If so how? What does a good score mean?
Are we suppressing the brightest and giving the good test takers dominance?
Why is IQ even important? If one scores above 130 they are a genius and a whole new world of
opportunities is open to them. Why cant this be open to the dumb? We all can learn.
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