BPS to produce new resource on history of IQ testing

Provided by the Academy of Social Sciences (AcSS), the funding will replicate IQ tests from the society's archive which were used to evaluate young children's intelligence during the 1960s and 1970s.

This testing, administered and formulated by psychologists, led to many children of Black Caribbean descent being incorrect sent to schools for the 'educational subnormal'.

The resource will encourage students to think critically about the tests, the wider social implications of their use and the legacy of this type of testing, which has been an excluded and under-researched part of UK history.

Alongside the resource, the society will also run several interactive sessions in secondary schools to engage with students and help to bring the story of these IQ tests to life.

The resource will be developed by an expert panel of historians, psychologists, and educational experts, which will be formed by the BPS and the British Educational Research Association.

Sophie O'Reilly, BPS archive manager, said:

 "We are delighted to have been awarded funding for this resource which will shine a light on a challenging aspect of UK psychology's history. This shows the value of historical records and how important it is to reflect on the more difficult parts of our collective history in a constructive way."

Dr Denise Miller, BPS Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Board member, added:

"For all students, this pilot resource will serve as a guide to uncover hidden narratives within tests and recognise the lasting impact on traditionally minoritised people. It will provide a genuine and sustainable pathway towards equity, diversity, and inclusion."

The project will begin in January 2024, and we will publish updates on the resource's development throughout the year. It forms part of the AcSS EDI funding scheme, supported by the Economic and Social Research Council.