On Tue, Mar 12, 2013 at 10:00 AM, Michael StJohns <mstjohns@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote: > At 07:56 AM 3/12/2013, Dan Harkins wrote: >>While these studies are interesting and thought provoking, I think it is >>wrong, and very dangerous, to use these studies to justify blanket >>statements about intelligence, group or otherwise. > > I'm laughing a bit about this thread. For example, there's also "substantial evidence" that young women and young men do better in gender segregated schools because the women's IQs plunge due to primping and displaying and men's IQs plunge due to testosterone if they're kept together. Unfortunately, there's also "substantial evidence" that doing things this way can lead to some socialization issues (where both groups tend to have warped views of the members of the other groups). (I myself doubt both versions of the "substantial evidence") [MB] I too find your response and some others laughable. I would agree that some of your statements with regards to all boys and girls schools are wrong, however, there is indeed research highlighting that girls do better in all girls schools due the fact that they are given the attention that often goes to the boys in math and science classes. The rest I is untrue based on my experiences, but I would certainly welcome someone pointing out research supporting your statements. Both my sons have gone to or go to all boys schools (since first grade). Their girlfriends go to all girls schools. There is no socialization issues in general. That all said, my sons' school has some of the geekiest kids in the DFW area, so it is likely that there may be *slightly* more issues with socialization than the average public school. [/MB] > > Seriously - diversity is generally good. I think we all get that. Going off and trying to support that general statement with (Dan's words, but I think I agree) "cherry picked" data isn't going to advance that cause much. [MB] The data isn't cherry picked - there has been *lots* of research on this topic over the past decade (and even those previous). Such studies are doubted because I am sure they are not of any interest to the folks that suggest they don't exist. So, these wouldn't have been on your radar. Not surprising, those that are doubting that IETF has any issue with diversity are folks that aren't in the minority- it's really hard to understand an issue if you haven't dealt with it yourself. There's lots of research showing lots of bias in our society - the fact that many have never chosen to read any of it does not mean it doesn't exist. [/MB] > > Mike > >