“Possible Sampling Bias in Genetic Studies of Genius”, 1975 ():
The data from Terman’s Genetic Studies of Genius (1925–34195965ya) relating to sample size, mean IQ, and variance of IQ scores were analyzed in terms of their conformation to the theoretically projected statistics derived from a consideration of the normal curve.
Deviations from the theoretical projections lead to the probable conclusion that the sample size was too small, with the IQ scores clustered more closely about a significantly higher mean than projected.
Although the major findings of the “Genius” study are not cast into doubt by this analysis, caution is urged with respect to comparisons to a normal sample when the differences are not large.