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On models and muddles of heritability
1Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
Genetica
|January 1, 1997
Summary
The persistence of the IQ myth stems from flawed heritability claims for intelligence. Scientific criticisms of these claims face editorial resistance, perpetuating misinformation about cognitive abilities.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Behavioral Genetics
- Psychometrics
Background:
- The concept of intelligence and its measurement via IQ tests remain controversial.
- Excessive heritability claims for intelligence contribute to the persistence of the IQ myth.
- Spearman's g model faces significant challenges and data inconsistencies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review the technical basis of heritability claims for human behavior.
- To investigate the reasons behind the enduring belief in IQ test validity despite scientific objections.
- To examine the role of editorial resistance in the dissemination of potentially flawed research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on heritability estimates for human intelligence.
- Analysis of statistical methodologies used in heritability research.
- Examination of publication bias and editorial policies in mainstream scientific journals.
Main Results:
- Identified mathematically invalid and statistically unfitting heritability estimates for human behavior.
- Demonstrated that criticisms of flawed heritability claims often encounter editorial resistance.
- Highlighted inconsistencies between Spearman's g model and empirical data.
Conclusions:
- The technical foundation for high heritability claims of intelligence is scientifically weak.
- Editorial gatekeeping in scientific journals may contribute to the perpetuation of misinformation regarding intelligence heritability.
- Re-evaluation of the scientific basis for intelligence testing and heritability is warranted.