Intelligence arguments and Australian psychology: A reply to Stankov and an alternative view

T C Bates, C Stough

Research output: Contribution to journalEditorialpeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

Stankov (1998) has recently suggested that Australian research on intelligence "has contributed to a racist position" (p. 53) and is also driven by a need to prove certain positions. We suggest an alternative view. It is our position that this is a progressive research program that is exemplary for Australia. With respect to Stankov's suggestion that scientists control the uses to which their data may or may not be put, we suggest that scientists are not in such a position of power and, arguably, should not be. Finally, to the extent that research on intelligence influences social and political life, we argue that open and wide-ranging research is the preferable method to minimise the adoption of false theories of human nature. Throughout the paper, we correct several selective or misleading statements on intelligence by Stankov, and highlight recent advances in the understanding of the biological bases of intelligence.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)68-72
Number of pages5
JournalAustralian psychologist
Volume35
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2000

Keywords / Materials (for Non-textual outputs)

  • GENERAL INTELLIGENCE
  • INSPECTION TIME
  • PERSONALITY
  • GENETICS
  • TWIN

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Intelligence arguments and Australian psychology: A reply to Stankov and an alternative view'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this