Steven J. Gould's The Mismeasure of Man includes excellent coverage of the intelligence-related research around eugenics. Fact from this book that has stuck in my head for years: back when skull volume was assumed to be related to intelligence, "researchers" measured it by filling skulls from different races with grain. They stuffed the Caucasian skulls to the bursting point, but the African-American skulls very loosely... Good scientists questioned these methods even at the time, although much of the general populace was very willing to go along with the "findings" that supported their assumptions.
Watson (of the infamous Little Albert experiment) spent a lot of time arguing with eugenicists as well--some of his writings may relate to that. They may also demonstrate the degree to which he was a complete asshole, but support for eugenics was not one of his flaws. His quote about "Give me a dozen well-formed infants..." is from a debate on the topic.
That's what I can think of off the top of my head. I'm afraid all my literature on the topic is currently packed and in another state, and will be till August.
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Date: 2011-07-02 04:59 am (UTC)Watson (of the infamous Little Albert experiment) spent a lot of time arguing with eugenicists as well--some of his writings may relate to that. They may also demonstrate the degree to which he was a complete asshole, but support for eugenics was not one of his flaws. His quote about "Give me a dozen well-formed infants..." is from a debate on the topic.
That's what I can think of off the top of my head. I'm afraid all my literature on the topic is currently packed and in another state, and will be till August.