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Lewis Madison Terman's contributions to psychology include revising the Binet-Simon scale into the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale and pioneering the study of giftedness. His work emphasized the hereditary nature of intelligence and the importance of identifying and nurturing gifted individuals. Terman's longitudinal study of over 1,500 children with high IQs challenged stereotypes and demonstrated their potential for societal benefit.
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Terman's revision of the Binet-Simon Intelligence Scale, known as the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale, became the standard for intelligence testing in the United States
Terman's method for calculating IQ, which involved dividing mental age by chronological age and multiplying by 100, had a lasting impact on the field of psychological assessment
Terman's pioneering longitudinal study of gifted children, known as the "Genetic Studies of Genius," demonstrated that gifted individuals generally achieved higher levels of success and intelligence than the average population
Terman's theory highlighted abstract thinking as a key component of intelligence, with intelligent individuals displaying traits such as rapid comprehension, intense curiosity, and strong memory
Terman believed that innate ability was the foremost factor in intellectual development, advocating for intelligence testing in educational settings to identify and appropriately educate gifted children based on their capabilities
While Terman initially underestimated the role of environmental factors, his later work recognized the importance of family environment in the achievements of highly intelligent individuals, while still advocating for a meritocratic society
Terman's intelligence scale faced criticism for not adequately considering cultural and linguistic diversity, which could lead to biased assessments
Critics argued for the significant role of environmental factors in intellectual development, challenging Terman's emphasis on hereditary factors
Terman's pioneering work on intelligence testing and the study of giftedness has had a lasting impact on educational policies and practices, shaping contemporary approaches to understanding intellectual abilities