Outliers Group Chapter Presentation Discussion Suggestions
Here are some items to consider as you prepare your chapter presentation. Topics of importance are listed. You are not required to answer all or any of the discussion questions, although you may if you choose to. They are only presented as a guide for your group discussion and for the discussion your group will lead with the class. Ultimately, it is up to your group to determine what is most fascinating and significant about your chapter. Just be sure to mention some of the examples, anecdotes, etc. that Gladwell provides to support his key points.
Chapter 3: The Trouble with Geniuses part 1
· Chris Langan
· Stanford-Binet test
· Lewis Terman and his research
· IQ tests
· Gladwell’s take on IQ scores
1. Where does the 10,000 - Hour rule come through in chapter three?
2. “To have a high IQ, you tend to specialize, think deep thoughts.” Do you agree with this statement? Explain.
3. How did Lewis Terman act as a coach?
4. “There is nothing about an individual as important as his IQ, except possibly his morals.” Terman
Comment on this statement.
5. Gladwell says that many people and companies in our society “are convinced that those at the very top of the IQ scale have the greatest potential”. Comment on this statement.
6. Does this statement negate the significance of chapter one and two? Explain
7. What is the significance of a threshold and how does this relate to IQ exams?
8. Describe the importance of Affirmative Action at the University of Michigan.
9. What is the significance of test scores vs. quality of student?
10. What is the difference between divergence and convergence testing?
Outliers Group Chapter Presentation Discussion Suggestions
Here are some items to consider as you prepare your chapter presentation. Topics of importance are listed. You are not required to answer all or any of the discussion questions, although you may if you choose to. They are only presented as a guide for your group discussion and for the discussion your group will lead with the class. Ultimately, it is up to your group to determine what is most fascinating and significant about your chapter. Just be sure to mention some of the examples, anecdotes, etc. that Gladwell provides to support his key points.
Chapter 4: The Trouble with Geniuses part 2
· Chris Langan
· Oppenheimer
· In this chapter, what does Gladwell say is required for someone to succeed?
1. What events led Chris Langan to believe that he could do without the higher education system?
2. What was a turning point in Langans’ life?
3. Does Langan have Harvard backwards as Gladwell believes?
4. What are the similarities and differences between Langan and Oppenheimer?
5. What happens with Langan and his Calculus professor at Montana State? Why is this event significant in the course of Langan’s live?
6. What type of intelligence is different from what IQ measures? What is the significance of it when discussing Langan?
7. Is IQ sol...
