explain how cultural assumptions influenced the findings --the supposed innate biological facts of gender and intelligence--in the "Science" that Gould discusses.
Gould who? In what book?
Aaron, have you read Gould?
http://s.spachman.tripod.com/CollegeWriting/womensbrains.htm
It does not take a rocket scientist to see cultural assumptions in "..the fact that women are also slightly less intelligent than men..."
I have to explain it in 4 sentences, i think that will get me there. thanks alot.
In order to understand how cultural assumptions influenced the findings regarding the supposed innate biological facts of gender and intelligence, as discussed by Gould in "Science," we need to examine it from a historical and sociocultural perspective.
1. Begin by reading Stephen Jay Gould's book, "The Mismeasure of Man," which explores the history of attempts to measure intelligence and the misconceptions surrounding it.
2. Understand that cultural assumptions often shape scientific research and influence the interpretation of data. In the case of gender and intelligence, biases and preconceptions about gender roles and capabilities have played a significant role in how findings were interpreted.
3. Recognize that historical research on gender and intelligence faced considerable challenges due to the prevailing cultural beliefs and expectations of the time. 19th and early 20th-century society often maintained prejudiced views regarding women's intellectual capacity, leading researchers to seek evidence supporting these assumptions.
4. Analyze specific studies mentioned by Gould where cultural assumptions influenced the results. For example, consider the case of Francis Galton, a British scientist who conducted studies on intelligence in the late 19th century. Galton's research, often relying on biased notions of gender and social class, attempted to associate intellectual ability with inherited traits, but failed to account for the influence of environmental factors.
5. Delve into the implications of cultural assumptions on the interpretation of findings. In the case of gender, biased beliefs surrounding female inferiority influenced the interpretation of intelligence testing results, often leading to the marginalization of women's abilities. Similarly, racial and ethnic biases have influenced interpretations of intelligence testing, perpetuating stereotypes and discrimination.
6. Consider how social and cultural context influenced the understanding of gender and intelligence. Recognize that societal norms, expectations, and stereotypes shape the questions asked, the methodologies employed, and the interpretations made in scientific research.
7. Explore the concept of "scientism," which is the belief that scientific findings are objective and free from social and cultural influence. Gould criticizes this perspective, arguing that cultural assumptions frequently enter scientific investigations, affecting the conception and interpretation of biological facts.
8. Reflect on Gould's arguments and evidence presented in "The Mismeasure of Man" to critically evaluate the influence of cultural assumptions on the supposed innate biological facts of gender and intelligence. By examining the history and context of scientific research, we can gain a deeper understanding of how cultural biases can skew findings and perpetuate misguided conclusions.
Remember, to thoroughly understand how cultural assumptions influence findings, it is essential to familiarize yourself with relevant literature, critically analyze the scientific research conducted, and consider the historical, sociocultural, and scientific contexts in which these studies were conducted.