Trying very hard to avoid the urge to dunk tweet, but I'll just say that Nate Silver is a perfect example that IQ is astrology for men who think they're too smart for astrology.
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It seems like it is the definition of something that has value only in a lab or diagnostic setting (& even then as a data point among many) & is completely useless outside of that context
Silver loves to display an incredible ability to analyze some topics better than anyone, yet constantly wants to reveal himself to be an idiot on everything else.
It's arguable if it's even a useful metric to evaluate children; it's completely useless to evaluate adults where acquired skills and opportunities have fully shape your outcomes.
There are positive uses: IQ tests for children (if those tests are culture fair) can identify children who are highly gifted and therefore undertaxed in school. Instead of being subjected to daily boredom they can be offered more challenging courses and environments.
I think both can be important information. Some teachers do not see the potential in their students. I have known some highly gifted students who almost failed in school because they really suffered in their classes. Their teachers thought they were lazy but they were just totally bored.
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Maybe a niche academic but i think most academics in that field have moved on from IQ
What it cannot test is common sense and the ability to tackle life's challenges. That is why some high IQ people do act pretty stupid.
But yes. You fucking nailed it here.
I take your point that a test can be useful in some situations, I do not agree with putting much weight on the number as to a taker's ability.