In addition to studying mathematics, Matthew “Matt” Kafker is well-read and has explored a wide range of authors and subjects. A university student, Matt Kafker is reading the works of essayist and author Nassim Nicholas Taleb, such as Incerto.
Mr. Taleb is known for writing essays that cover topics focusing on randomness, probability, and uncertainty. In an essay published last year, the essayist argues that IQ is, for the most part, a “pseudoscience fraud.” The author’s paper includes some of the other criticisms of traditional IQ tests, but he also refutes the mathematical construct on which intelligence tests are supported.
The author suggests that these intelligence tests have the potential to determine more than smartness. When looking at other exams, those who have not scored well on IQ tests typically would score poorly on college entrance exams, simply because many of these exams are based on IQ tests, which suggests there is bias in most standardized testing.
The author also addresses the weaknesses in the statistical model from which it draws its conclusions. The author questions the validity of the test because co-variance between IQ and performance is un-informational, or it simply does not exist. The figures support a finite number in a sample that does not exist, and this can lead to overestimating the prediction.
Another flaw relates to the way standard deviation is used to explain probability, and he mentions this in terms of the way IQ has been used to define race. Mr. Taleb argues that richer models have to be developed because different groups require different variances and skewness. These tests have to take into consideration nuances across cultures and groups.
Mr. Taleb is known for writing essays that cover topics focusing on randomness, probability, and uncertainty. In an essay published last year, the essayist argues that IQ is, for the most part, a “pseudoscience fraud.” The author’s paper includes some of the other criticisms of traditional IQ tests, but he also refutes the mathematical construct on which intelligence tests are supported.
The author suggests that these intelligence tests have the potential to determine more than smartness. When looking at other exams, those who have not scored well on IQ tests typically would score poorly on college entrance exams, simply because many of these exams are based on IQ tests, which suggests there is bias in most standardized testing.
The author also addresses the weaknesses in the statistical model from which it draws its conclusions. The author questions the validity of the test because co-variance between IQ and performance is un-informational, or it simply does not exist. The figures support a finite number in a sample that does not exist, and this can lead to overestimating the prediction.
Another flaw relates to the way standard deviation is used to explain probability, and he mentions this in terms of the way IQ has been used to define race. Mr. Taleb argues that richer models have to be developed because different groups require different variances and skewness. These tests have to take into consideration nuances across cultures and groups.
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