The Jordan Harbinger Show 1159: IQ Tests | Skeptical Sunday
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May 25, 2025 
In this discussion, comedian and skeptic Michael Regilio dives deep into the controversial world of IQ tests. He reveals their dark history, including ties to eugenics and forced sterilization, and critiques the cultural biases embedded in test questions. Regilio also highlights the surprising Flynn effect—an increase in IQ scores over the decades—not attributed to genetics but to environmental factors. With humor and insight, they explore the limitations of IQ as a true measure of intelligence, urging listeners to rethink common misconceptions.
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Harsh Origins of IQ Tests
- Early IQ tests like the Benet-Simon test categorized children harshly using terms like imbecile and idiot.
- These tests reflected the norms of the time but were limited and severe in their classification.
Army IQ Tests Impact Roles
- The U.S. Army used Army Alpha and Beta IQ tests in WWI to allocate soldiers to roles.
- These tests influenced important life outcomes, like who became an officer or frontline soldier.
IQ Tests Fueled Eugenics Programs
- Eugenics programs used IQ tests to justify forced sterilizations of 'feeble-minded' individuals.
- The U.S. Supreme Court even upheld this practice in 1927, which influenced Nazi ideology.
