Journal of Political Economy Vol. 103 No. 5 1995
Lessons from the Bell Curve
Abstract
This paper examines the argument presented in The Bell Curve. A central argument is that one factor--g--accounts for correlation across test scores and performance in society. Another central argument is that g cannot be manipulated. These arguments are combined to claim that social policies designed to improve social performance cannot be effective. A reanalysis of the evidence contradicts this story. The factors that explain wages receive different weights than the factors that explain test scores. More than g is required to explain either. Other factors besides g contribute to social performance, and they can be manipulated.
- DOI
- 10.1086/262014
- Volume
- 103
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- 1091-1120
- Language
- en
- Sources
- openalex crossref