High Iq Quote by Keith E. Stanovich
““When a high IQ-test score is accompanied by subpar performance in some other domain, this is thought "surprising," and a new disability category is coined to name the surprise. So, similarly, the diagnostic criterion for mathematics disorder (sometimes termed dyscalculia) in DSM IV is that "Mathematical ability that falls substantially below that expected for the individual's chronological age, measured intelligence, and age-appropriate education" (p. 50)- The logic of discrepancy-based classification based on IQ-test performance has created a clear precedent whereby we are almost obligated to create a new disability category when an important skill domain is found to be somewhat dissociated from intelligence. It is just this logic that I exploited in creating a new category of disability- dysrationalia.T he proposed definition of the disability was as follows: Dysrationalia is the inability to think and behave rationally despite adequate intelligence. It is a general term that refers to a heterogeneous group of disorders manifested by significant difficulties in belief formation, in the assessment of belief consistency, and/or in the determination of action to achieve one's goals. Although dysrationalia may occur concomitantly with other handicapping conditions (e.g., sensory impairment), dysrationalia is not the result of those conditions. The key diagnostic criterion for dysrationalia is a level of rationality, as demonstrated in thinking and behavior, that is significantly below the level of the individual's intellectual capacity (as determined by an individually administered IQ test).””
About This Quote
Source Article: Dysrationalia: The Dark Side of Human Reasoning, 1999
The quote argues that intelligence tests create a template for labeling deficits, leading to new disability categories like dysrationalia, which describes rationality failures despite normal IQ.
In simple terms: Intelligence tests cause us to label rationality problems as disabilities.
Recognize rationality as distinct from IQ and assess it separately.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- educational assessment
- clinical diagnosis
- self‑evaluation
- policy making
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we measure rationality independently of IQ?
- What are the risks of labeling rationality deficits as disorders?
IQ alone cannot capture rational thinking ability.