The study set out to explore Finnish lay views of intelligence, of its nature, definitions, and measurement. The 152 subjects, a random sample of an adult population, rated 23 short statements about intelligence. It appeared that the subjects were inclined to deal with intelligence in pluralistic and relativistic rather than in absolute terms. Statements concerning the objectivity of intelligence tests and the value of their use generated the most differences of opinion. A factor analysis of the ratings indicated three dimensions of opinion: traditional views, relativistic views, and gender stereotypes. Relationships of the subjects' sex, age. and education to their opinions were studied.
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