The measurement of intelligence

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

20662

Title

The measurement of intelligence

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Lewis M. Terman presents the Stanford Revision of the Binet-Simon Intelligence Scale, offering a clear guide for educators and parents to measure children's mental abilities. This essential text explains how intelligence tests diagnose educational needs, identify gifted or struggling students, and predict future growth, marking a pivotal step in scientific education.

Summary up to 500 words

Lewis M. Terman's *The Measurement of Intelligence* presents the Stanford Revision and Extension of the Binet-Simon Intelligence Scale as a revolutionary tool for objectively assessing children's mental development. Published in 1916, this volume argues that intelligence testing is indispensable for modern public education, offering critical insights into vocational guidance, grading systems, and the specific needs of both gifted and intellectually delayed students. Terman details a comprehensive battery of tests ranging from simple tasks, such as naming familiar objects and pointing to body parts, to complex challenges involving vocabulary definitions, interpreting fables, and abstract reasoning. A central theme of the book is the democratization of psychological assessment; while professional psychologists conduct research, Terman asserts that trained teachers can administer these tests with minimal difficulty. He addresses common human biases in judging intelligence, noting a tendency to overestimate the capabilities of children with learning difficulties while underestimating those of superior intellect. To counteract these errors, the text provides strict administrative instructions designed to ensure reliability and validity. Through an extensive analysis of data from one thousand subjects, Terman demonstrates the robustness of the Intelligence Quotient (IQ) and its strong correlation with school success. The book serves as both a theoretical explanation and a practical manual for applying scientific psychological methods to educational practice. It emphasizes that intelligence tests are not merely academic exercises but essential diagnostic instruments capable of predicting future mental growth and directing educational efforts profitably. Ultimately, Terman envisions a future where such testing becomes routine in schools, ensuring that all children, particularly the gifted and the slow, receive appropriate support tailored to their individual potential.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/20662.epub.noimages

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data/epubs/pg20662.epub

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2026-08-20 20:13 UTC

Categories

• Psychology
• Child Development