The old myth about the ability and variability of potential in children is a comforting myth, for those who are uneasy with the degree of inequality they see and would rather seek to justify it than confront it. The myth of inherent potential helps some explain to themselves why they are privileged. Extend the myth to believe in inherited ability…

The differentiation hypothesis suggests that the degree to which general intelligence ("g") pervades performance on mental tests is greater at lower ability levels. Analysis of data from Differential Aptitude Test results for over 10,500 Irish school children ages 14 to 17 years supports the differentiation hypothesis. (SLD)