Genetic studies in genius. Vol. 1

Abstract

Reviews the books, Genetic Studies in Genius. Vol. I, Mental and Physical Traits of a Thousand Gifted Children edited by Lewis M. Terman and authored by Lewis M. Terman et al. (1926); and Genetic Studies in Genius. Vol. II, The Early Mental Traits of Three Hundred Geniuses edited by Lewis M. Terman and authored by Catharine M. Cox (1926). Studies of superior children have for the most part had to do with comparatively small groups, or with individual cases. Volume I of Genetic Studies of Genius is the first study which presents findings in regard to a large number of children of exceptional ability. Its purpose is "to determine in what respects the typical gifted child differs from the typical child of normal mentality". Data were collected from a main experimental group of 643 subjects, with IQ's ranging from 130 to 200. The findings of this study consistently indicate that mental superiority more often than not implies superiority in physical, social, moral, and emotional development as well. Volume II of the series is an attempt to evaluate the traits which have characterized the childhood and youth of the world's great geniuses of times past. Three hundred one of the most eminent men and women of history, from the period from 1450 to 1850 were studied. The data are presented from numerous angles. It is concluded that youths who achieve eminence have, in general, superior heredity and home advantages, display childhood behavior and achievement characteristic of high IQ, and are characterized by persistence of motive and effort, confidence in their abilities, and great force of character--findings quite in keeping with those derived from volume I of this series. These two volumes taken together comprise a veritable mine of information in regard to the basic characteristics of the genius and the potential genius. The intrinsic value of the information presented is enormous; these volumes are an invaluable contribution to the study of human mind and character. It is furthermore to be hoped and expected that they will furnish both information and stimulation to educators toward devising better methods of training for the gifted, and will be productive of enhanced interest among psychologists in general in the investigation of the important problems of mental superiority. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)