Episode
#302 – Richard Haier: IQ Tests, Human Intelligence, and Group Differences
2:51:03
Published: Thu Jul 14 2022
Description
Richard Haier is a psychologist specializing in the science of human intelligence. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: - Calm: https://calm.com/lex to get 40% off - Linode: https://linode.com/lex to get $100 free credit - BiOptimizers: http://www.magbreakthrough.com/lex to get 10% off - SimpliSafe: https://simplisafe.com/lex and use code LEX - MasterClass: https://masterclass.com/lex to get 15% off EPISODE LINKS: Richard's Twitter: https://twitter.com/rjhaier Richard's Website: https://richardhaier.com/ Documents & Articles: 1. Child IQ and survival to 79: https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5491698/ 2. Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth: https://my.vanderbilt.edu/smpy/files/2013/02/DoingPsychScience2006.pdf Books: 1. The Neuroscience of Intelligence: https://amzn.to/3n50DcC 2. The Book of Five Rings: https://amzn.to/3y4Xcc6 3. The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich: https://amzn.to/3zPAW7q 4. Flowers for Algernon: https://amzn.to/3OfRKZS 5. The Bell Curve: https://amzn.to/3Ng4RJe 6. The Mismeasure of Man: https://amzn.to/3N9IkxB 7. Human Diversity: https://amzn.to/3O7Trsc 8. Facing Reality: https://amzn.to/3bfzqkX PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8 RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/ YouTube Full Episodes: https://youtube.com/lexfridman YouTube Clips: https://youtube.com/lexclips SUPPORT & CONNECT: - Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast - Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lexfridman - Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexfridman - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexfridman - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexfridman - Medium: https://medium.com/@lexfridman OUTLINE: Here's the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. (00:00) - Introduction (08:06) - Measuring human intelligence (22:34) - IQ tests (45:23) - College entrance exams (53:59) - Genetics (59:58) - Enhancing intelligence (1:07:27) - The Bell Curve (1:19:58) - Race differences (1:39:11) - Bell curve criticisms (1:48:21) - Intelligence and life success (1:57:57) - Flynn effect (2:02:49) - Nature vs nuture (2:29:42) - Testing artificial intelligence (2:41:46) - Advice (2:45:53) - Mortality
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00:00 - 01:49 (01:49)
Summary
The ability to focus on one thing is important for great writers and scholars; meditation can help achieve complete focus through focusing on the breath or a singular idea.
Episode#302 – Richard Haier: IQ Tests, Human Intelligence, and Group Differences
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The secret to feeling amazing during fasting or following a keto diet is electrolytes.
01:49 - 06:24 (04:35)
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The secret to feeling amazing during fasting or following a keto diet is electrolytes. SimpliSafe offers easy-to-setup and monitor security systems. Andrew Huberman, a magnesium expert is known for his research in magnesium. The host highlights an appreciation in distributed computing infrastructure.
Episode#302 – Richard Haier: IQ Tests, Human Intelligence, and Group Differences
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The concept of G-factor, or general intelligence, is the most commonly used measure by researchers who study intelligence.
06:24 - 14:16 (07:52)
Summary
The concept of G-factor, or general intelligence, is the most commonly used measure by researchers who study intelligence. It involves analyzing correlations among different test scores to find clusters that go together, emphasizing the importance of finding the best person in a particular field to work with in order to solve life's puzzles.
Episode#302 – Richard Haier: IQ Tests, Human Intelligence, and Group Differences
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
General Intelligence (G factor) accounts for around half of the variances in mental tests but it's not the only factor, as there may be a verbal, numerical or visual-spatial factor.
14:16 - 21:19 (07:03)
Summary
General Intelligence (G factor) accounts for around half of the variances in mental tests but it's not the only factor, as there may be a verbal, numerical or visual-spatial factor. G factor measures the general ability to comprehend complex ideas and reason effectively.
Episode#302 – Richard Haier: IQ Tests, Human Intelligence, and Group Differences
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Research shows that there is a strong correlation between IQ measured at age 11 and the likelihood of a person's longevity, with those in the highest quartile living longer than those in the lowest quartile.
21:19 - 28:12 (06:53)
Summary
Research shows that there is a strong correlation between IQ measured at age 11 and the likelihood of a person's longevity, with those in the highest quartile living longer than those in the lowest quartile.
Episode#302 – Richard Haier: IQ Tests, Human Intelligence, and Group Differences
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Many items in IQ tests lack face validity and are chosen through a technique called dust bowl empiricism, which can be disadvantageous for certain groups of people.
28:12 - 34:51 (06:39)
Summary
Many items in IQ tests lack face validity and are chosen through a technique called dust bowl empiricism, which can be disadvantageous for certain groups of people.
Episode#302 – Richard Haier: IQ Tests, Human Intelligence, and Group Differences
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Reaction time is a measure of the speed of information processing and has been linked to the G factor, or general intelligence factor, through studies that manipulate the complexity of the instruction given to participants in reaction time tests.
34:51 - 41:13 (06:22)
Summary
Reaction time is a measure of the speed of information processing and has been linked to the G factor, or general intelligence factor, through studies that manipulate the complexity of the instruction given to participants in reaction time tests.
Episode#302 – Richard Haier: IQ Tests, Human Intelligence, and Group Differences
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Standardized tests are not a good estimate of one's intelligence since external factors like anxiety and physical health can affect their scores.
41:13 - 49:03 (07:49)
Summary
Standardized tests are not a good estimate of one's intelligence since external factors like anxiety and physical health can affect their scores. Additionally, disparities between math and verbal scores may not always be indicative of one's cognitive abilities.
Episode#302 – Richard Haier: IQ Tests, Human Intelligence, and Group Differences
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The military has a cutoff IQ score of 83 for new recruits due to their inability to train those with lower IQs, leading to the question of whether this practice is discriminatory or necessary for the preparedness of the armed forces.
49:03 - 55:42 (06:39)
Summary
The military has a cutoff IQ score of 83 for new recruits due to their inability to train those with lower IQs, leading to the question of whether this practice is discriminatory or necessary for the preparedness of the armed forces.
Episode#302 – Richard Haier: IQ Tests, Human Intelligence, and Group Differences
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Intelligence does not necessarily translate to being a better person in terms of important aspects of life like honesty and likability.
55:42 - 1:03:58 (08:16)
Summary
Intelligence does not necessarily translate to being a better person in terms of important aspects of life like honesty and likability. However, improving the baseline intelligence of the population could have a significant impact on society.
Episode#302 – Richard Haier: IQ Tests, Human Intelligence, and Group Differences
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The debate on the link between genetics and intelligence remains open-ended, as many solutions proposed for the achievement gap focus on improving the environment rather than acknowledging genetic differences.
1:03:58 - 1:10:18 (06:19)
Summary
The debate on the link between genetics and intelligence remains open-ended, as many solutions proposed for the achievement gap focus on improving the environment rather than acknowledging genetic differences. Studies have shown that disadvantaged groups score lower than Whites on academic and cognitive tests, raising questions about the full potential of individuals with different intelligence levels.
Episode#302 – Richard Haier: IQ Tests, Human Intelligence, and Group Differences
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Arthur Jensen, a researcher, wrote an article for the Harvard Educational Review in 1968 or 1969, which stated that the programs designed to increase the IQs of minority students through early childhood education had failed, and this fact challenges the assumption that these differences can be addressed with education.
1:10:18 - 1:16:13 (05:54)
Summary
Arthur Jensen, a researcher, wrote an article for the Harvard Educational Review in 1968 or 1969, which stated that the programs designed to increase the IQs of minority students through early childhood education had failed, and this fact challenges the assumption that these differences can be addressed with education. However, this article received backlash and controversy due to its bold claims.
Episode#302 – Richard Haier: IQ Tests, Human Intelligence, and Group Differences
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Discussing the book 'The Bell Curve,' the speaker expresses uncertainty if there is any genetic component to differences in intelligence, and expresses the difficulty in conducting research on the topic.
1:16:13 - 1:19:49 (03:36)
Summary
Discussing the book 'The Bell Curve,' the speaker expresses uncertainty if there is any genetic component to differences in intelligence, and expresses the difficulty in conducting research on the topic.
Episode#302 – Richard Haier: IQ Tests, Human Intelligence, and Group Differences
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Intelligence researchers are responsible for anticipating the ways in which their findings can be misinterpreted to increase hate.
1:19:49 - 1:26:41 (06:52)
Summary
Intelligence researchers are responsible for anticipating the ways in which their findings can be misinterpreted to increase hate. They must ask the question of whether cultural change is necessary to address the issue of differences in scores.
Episode#302 – Richard Haier: IQ Tests, Human Intelligence, and Group Differences
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
School and teacher variables combined account for only about 10% of the variance in student academic achievement, while a student's individual abilities are the most predictive factors.
1:26:41 - 1:35:39 (08:58)
Summary
School and teacher variables combined account for only about 10% of the variance in student academic achievement, while a student's individual abilities are the most predictive factors. It's important for policy makers to understand this research and pay attention to intelligence data when making decisions.
Episode#302 – Richard Haier: IQ Tests, Human Intelligence, and Group Differences
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this podcast, the host and guest discuss the four assumptions surrounding intelligence testing, including whether intelligence can be reduced to a single number or is primarily genetically based.
1:35:39 - 1:40:39 (05:00)
Summary
In this podcast, the host and guest discuss the four assumptions surrounding intelligence testing, including whether intelligence can be reduced to a single number or is primarily genetically based. The conversation also touches on the relationship between IQ and achievement in school and life.
Episode#302 – Richard Haier: IQ Tests, Human Intelligence, and Group Differences
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Intelligence research has individual differences as its heart, but it can be difficult to navigate politically motivated debates and discourse surrounding the topic as it deals with biological limitations and meaningful differences between individuals.
1:40:39 - 1:47:40 (07:01)
Summary
Intelligence research has individual differences as its heart, but it can be difficult to navigate politically motivated debates and discourse surrounding the topic as it deals with biological limitations and meaningful differences between individuals.
Episode#302 – Richard Haier: IQ Tests, Human Intelligence, and Group Differences
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The definition of success can vary depending on the individual, but intelligence is a factor that can have an impact.
1:47:40 - 1:54:19 (06:38)
Summary
The definition of success can vary depending on the individual, but intelligence is a factor that can have an impact. Even amongst those categorized as highly successful, there are measurable differences related to intelligence that can affect overall success.
Episode#302 – Richard Haier: IQ Tests, Human Intelligence, and Group Differences
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the uncomfortable realities of success, including how standardized tests can undermine the American ideal that hard work leads to success, and the unfair advantage that charisma can provide in achieving success.
1:54:19 - 2:02:27 (08:07)
Summary
The speaker discusses the uncomfortable realities of success, including how standardized tests can undermine the American ideal that hard work leads to success, and the unfair advantage that charisma can provide in achieving success.
Episode#302 – Richard Haier: IQ Tests, Human Intelligence, and Group Differences
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The debate on the role of genetics and environment on intelligence continues with some experts asserting that it is probabilistic due to factors like in uterine environment and chance, while others believe that it is stable and can be studied through interactions between genes and environment.
2:02:27 - 2:10:09 (07:42)
Summary
The debate on the role of genetics and environment on intelligence continues with some experts asserting that it is probabilistic due to factors like in uterine environment and chance, while others believe that it is stable and can be studied through interactions between genes and environment.
Episode#302 – Richard Haier: IQ Tests, Human Intelligence, and Group Differences
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Research shows that while high IQ parents provide an enriched environment that can impact their children, adopted children's IQ scores don't correlate with the IQ scores of their adoptive parents but do correlate with their biological parents they've never met.
2:10:09 - 2:21:59 (11:49)
Summary
Research shows that while high IQ parents provide an enriched environment that can impact their children, adopted children's IQ scores don't correlate with the IQ scores of their adoptive parents but do correlate with their biological parents they've never met. Despite numerous attempts, interventions like memory training, listening to Mozart, etc. have shown no impact on intelligence test scores.
Episode#302 – Richard Haier: IQ Tests, Human Intelligence, and Group Differences
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the newer imaging studies available to see which parts of the brain light up during intelligence and consciousness tasks, and how different anesthetics impact different parts of the brain.
2:21:59 - 2:26:07 (04:07)
Summary
The speaker discusses the newer imaging studies available to see which parts of the brain light up during intelligence and consciousness tasks, and how different anesthetics impact different parts of the brain.
Episode#302 – Richard Haier: IQ Tests, Human Intelligence, and Group Differences
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The Turing Test is a famous test for measuring the intelligence of machines, however, it has been found that the efficiency of brain information processing is a better determinant of intelligence.
2:26:07 - 2:33:09 (07:02)
Summary
The Turing Test is a famous test for measuring the intelligence of machines, however, it has been found that the efficiency of brain information processing is a better determinant of intelligence. The test's dependence on conversation as its formulation raises concerns about language barriers and reliance on charisma.
Episode#302 – Richard Haier: IQ Tests, Human Intelligence, and Group Differences
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast episode delves into the connection between science and intelligence and the potential for modifying genetics to increase intelligence.
2:33:09 - 2:46:00 (12:51)
Summary
This podcast episode delves into the connection between science and intelligence and the potential for modifying genetics to increase intelligence. It also discusses the role of science in treating brain diseases like Alzheimer's and the impact on learning and memory.
Episode#302 – Richard Haier: IQ Tests, Human Intelligence, and Group Differences
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker emphasizes the importance of treating people as individuals with compassion and respect, as not everyone has the same level of intelligence or capabilities.
2:46:00 - 2:51:02 (05:01)
Summary
The speaker emphasizes the importance of treating people as individuals with compassion and respect, as not everyone has the same level of intelligence or capabilities. This approach leads to better collaboration and motivation for all individuals involved.