NCJ Number
136845
Date Published
Unknown
Length
23 pages
Annotation
Prior to the 1930's, low IQ was believed to be associated with delinquency; today, most textbooks in the field maintain that there is no relationship between the two variables. However, this literature review reveals that numerous recent empirical studies have claimed an indirect relationship through a variety of school and social variables.
Abstract
The research has suggested that many other variables intervene between IQ and delinquency including peer influence, attitudes toward teachers and school, perception of educational competence, labeling, differential opportunity, type of offense, family background, and cognitive factors. However, the debate over the link between IQ and delinquency is not over as some experts believe; there is a direct relationship outside of socioeconomic status and race, while others believe there is no relationship at all. Continuing research in this area is needed to test all the possible models. The author recommends that schools institute policies to raise their students' IQ wherever possible, that schools ensure that their programs meet the individual needs of low-IQ students, that capable delinquents be encouraged to attend school and college, and that the validity of IQ tests be further researched. 3 notes and 25 references