[GeorgefromGeorgia]

explain

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When one is dealing with quantitative analysis, one has to be able to define unambiguously what the quantity is that's being analyzed. When the authors themselves admit in the introduction, that the "IQ" point has no distinct meaning, then it's very hard to take any statistical analysis very seriously. The IQ point system is based on performance - it is not a direct measurement of "innate" intelligence. For instance, if they could measure neurons firing per second on an EKG that could be something meaningful...

There IS hard science being done in the area of brain chemistry that indicates early childhood trauma or malnutrition having a real impact on physical brain development, which certainly impacts intellectual performance. Trauma and malnutrition are correlated with poverty, and disproportionate numbers of minority groups are impoverished in the US.

However, a seriously looking book out of Harvard with charts and graphs and equations can give racist views an aura of respectability, and therefore will always sell books.