What is the Impact on IQ asks Author Murray

 

We gave up on IQ tests as some measure of intelligence some time ago.  However, I will let you come to your own conclusions about Charles Murray, the author.  The Bell Curve is also one of his works.  At the same time, we definitely need to stay open to all rigorous research that offers another challenge and opportunity.  For most children and families that outside force is the school.  Unfortunately for some children the outside force may be the street or friends (peers) or just bad influences.

 

At the end of the discussion, the young adult has some options and decisions.  Choice is start a part of the human condition.  Perseverance's, hard work, resiliency, curiosity and self-reflection also play important parts to the learning and maturing process.  The research is rather clear that doing nothing results in nothing.  A child is not an empty vessel and everything gets poured in at some point.  Doing nothing or doing damaging acts to one's self (drugs, etc) is not a great change agent for good.

 

The article presents some ideas on which to ponder.

Parenting's minimal impact on IQ

• Article by: CHARLES MURRAY
• Updated: November 26, 2014 - 8:00 PM

http://www.startribune.com/opinion/commentaries/284042541.html

 

"It’s one thing to point out that programs to improve children’s cognitive functioning have had a dismal track record. We can always focus on short-term improvements, blame the long-term failures on poor execution or lack of follow-up, and try, try again. It’s another to say that it’s impossible to do much to permanently improve children’s intellectual ability through outside interventions. But that’s increasingly where the data are pointing."

 

Charles Murray is a political scientist, author, and libertarian. He first came to national attention in 1984 with the publication of Losing Ground, which has been credited as the intellectual foundation for the Welfare Reform Act of 1996. His 1994 New York Times bestseller, The Bell Curve (Free Press, 1994), coauthored with the late Richard J. Herrnstein, sparked heated controversy for its analysis of the role of IQ in shaping America’s class structure. Murray’s other books include What It Means to Be a Libertarian (1997), Human Accomplishment (2003), In Our Hands (2006), and Real Education (2008). His most recent book, Coming Apart (Crown Forum, 2012), describes an unprecedented divergence in American classes over the last half century.