The g Factor: the Science of Mental Ability
by Arthur Robert Jensen
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Arthur Jensen has systematically developed a seminal concept first discovered by Charles Spearman in the 1920s: individual and group differences in mental ability exist, and these differences can be measured by a single, general factor, g. On its surface, this concept seems innocuous. However, Jensen does not draw back from its most controversial conclusions - that the average differences in IQ and other abilities found between sexes and racial groups have a substantial hereditary component, show more and that these differences have important societal consequences. The culmination of his career is the most comprehensive treatment of g ever written, The g Factor. In it, Dr. Jensen not only clearly explains the psychometric, statistical, genetic, and physiological basis of g, in the process he also refutes all major challenges that have been brought against the concept of general mental ability. show lessTags
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I found the "The G Factor:...' to be enlightening and thoroughly researched book on a fascinating topic. Although the basic premise, that intelligence matters and that it is primarily inherited was evident, the book was rarely boring. The basic premise regarding intelligence was broadened by Jensen to explain intelligence, G, in statistical and physical terms with forays into G's manifestations in life. The book will not appeal to people without a strong interest in statistics; it will not appeal to people who believe that the environment is the primary shaper of our personalities. I have two criticisms of the book. The book could have been composed better; sentences were sometimes very long with excessive flourish. My second criticism show more concerns the authors purpose. Although I have no doubt as to the validity of the information presented, I would wonder about the emphasis of black and white racial differences... I would have liked to see more racial balance in the examination of racial differences. Overall, I found the book to be a fascinating and enlightening. show less
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