What was the most controversial conclusion made by Arthur Jensen with regard to Level 1 and Level II intelligence?
African Americans, as a group, had the lowest amount of Level II intelligence. Level I intelligence could only be mastered by those who were socioeconomically advantaged.
Those without Level II intelligence should be sterilized so that they could not reproduce.
Level I intelligence at higher levels should exempt citizens from military service.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
African Americans, as a group, had the lowest amount of Level II intelligence. Level I intelligence could only be mastered by those who were socioeconomically advantaged.
Explanation
Arthur Jensen was an educational psychologist best known for his controversial work on intelligence, particularly his 1969 article “How Much Can We Boost IQ and Scholastic Achievement?” In this publication, Jensen introduced the concepts of Level I and Level II intelligence, based on the work of psychologist J.P. Guilford.
- Level I intelligence refers to rote learning and memory — the ability to retain and reproduce information.
- Level II intelligence involves abstract reasoning, problem-solving, and conceptual learning — skills typically associated with IQ tests and academic success.
The most controversial conclusion Jensen drew was his assertion that there were racial differences in the distribution of Level II intelligence, with African Americans, as a group, scoring lower than Whites and Asians. He attributed a significant portion of this gap to genetic factors, suggesting that environmental interventions alone (such as improving schools) would have limited impact in closing the achievement gap.
This conclusion sparked intense public and academic backlash. Critics argued that Jensen’s claims reinforced racist stereotypes, lacked sufficient evidence, and failed to account for systemic social and economic inequalities, including the effects of poverty, discrimination, and educational disparities. Many psychologists and educators warned that such views could be used to justify inequality and limit educational opportunities for marginalized groups.
It is important to note that while Jensen discussed differences in average test scores, his interpretation that genetics played a substantial role in these differences was the core of the controversy — not merely the observation of group differences. His work contributed to a long-standing debate about nature vs. nurture in intelligence research.
Importantly, the other options presented in your question — sterilization and military exemption based on intelligence — do not reflect Jensen’s documented views and appear to be misattributions.
