Bias and Gender

Gender There is not a significant difference between male/female IQ scores Females-better spelling and verbal abilities, better at detecting emotion Males – better at spatial ability, outnumber girls worldwide in the low & high IQ extremes Why: – Evolutionary? – Social?

Racial and Ethnic Two disturbing, but accepted facts – Racial groups average scores are different on IQ test – High-scoring people/groups are more likely to get high level of education and income New Zealander of European decent outscore Native New Zealanders White Americans outscore Black Americans Those born hearing outscore those born deaf

Racial and Ethnic Group averages are not a way to judge an individual Heredity can contribute to individual differences, but in a group the heritable trait could be environmental – Is it surprising that someone born hearing & speaking native language would score better than those born deaf? – Does increase education and wealth contribute? Scores have gone up since the 1930’s – The issue of race is debated as to its relevance

Bias Two Meanings 1.Does it detect differences caused by cultural experience? Does this make it biased or just bring to light unequal experiences and opportunities? 2.Is it scientifically valid? Does it accurately predict future behavior? Ex. SAT scores

Test Taker’s Expectations Stereotype Threat – Self-confirming concern that one will be evaluated based on a negative stereotype