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96
(a) Relationship between Intelligence and Delinquency.
From the examination of 545 boys, ranging in chronological age from 7 years,
4 months, to 16 years, 11 months, and in Intelligence Quotients from 56 per cent,
to 147 per cent., it appeared that:—
1. Only 9 per cent. (49 boys) had an I.Q. under 75 per cent. (i.e., are
Educationally Sub-normal).
2. 80 per cent. (431 boys) were between the I.Q. range of 81 per cent. to
120 per cent.
3. 66 per cent. (357 boys) were between the I.Q. range of 86 per cent. to
115 per cent. (i.e., were of low average to high average
intelligence).
4. 50 per cent. (271 boys) were below an I.Q. of 95 per cent.
5. 50 per cent. (274 boys) were above an I.Q. of 95 per cent.
It must be noted also that it was possible for the general level of intelligence to
be even higher than shown in the statistics in view of the fact that where emotional
inhibitory factors were present, the tendency would have been for the assessment of
Intelligence to have been an underestimate. From this preliminary review and with
this material the evidence did not support the view, held by some, that the majority
of delinquents come from the lower levels of intelligence.
(b) Relationship between Reading Ability and Mental Age amongst 397 delinquent
boys remanded for a psychological examination.
Here again, from a comparison of Reading Age and Mental Age, very serious
retardation did not appear to be quite so extensive among delinquents as is
generally supposed. This was all the more surprising since a number of those
examined had at some time or other truanted from school.
Retardation undoubtedly existed in this sample, both among the higher and
the lower levels of Intelligence (I.Q.s 57 to 140) and at all ages (from 7 to 16 years).
Out of 397 cases, in a comparison between Reading Age and Mental Age, a group of
about 50 per cent. were either above the level of their Mental Age in Reading
ability, of an identical level or less than one year below it. Only a group of less than
8 per cent. could not read any words at all.
The amount of retardation would probably have been greater if chronological
age had been taken as a basis of comparison instead of Mental Age. It was felt,
however, that the chronological age would not have been a true measure as
Intelligence must necessarily be an important factor in attainment. This view was
supported in an analysis of the results among the lower levels of Intelligence, where
the individual was able to attain a Reading Age level approximating to his Mental
Age, but nevertheless, well below his chronological age.
In considering the tentative conclusions in both sections it must be remembered
that the boys submitted for a Psychological Examination were really a carefully
selected group. Before any definite conclusions can be made more records must be
analysed and a comparison must be made with the results of an examination of other
delinquents in the Remand Home, who have not been selected for a Psychological
Examination.
Epileptics
and
"Difficult"
Girls
A random sample of 213 cases, male and female, referred for "special"
examination during the 1948-49 period was searched for the incidence of epilepsy.
Through the generous co-operation of the Maudsley Hospital Electro-encephalographic
Department it was possible to check doubtful cases through this special
examination. The results of this analysis were as follow:—
Frankly epileptic 4 cases.
Suggestive Electro-Encephalogram (no fits) 1 case.