Intellectual Strengths in Culturally Different Groups: An Eskimo Illustration

The furor unleashed by Jensen's (1969) suggestion of a genetic explanation for the lower performance of Blacks on intelligence tests has led to substantial doubt about the social value of research on racial differences in cognitive abilities. Using the Eskimo as an illustration, this paper argues that such research, if based on a multi-ability model of intelligence such as the structure of intellect (Guilford, 1967), could have substantial social value. First, it might identify cognitive strengths of culturally different groups. Second, it might suggest occupational and educational areas where such strengths could be used to advantage.