What does the dictionary say: Dictionary.com
In the early 20th century idiot correlated to a specific level of IQ. Dictionary.com has idiot defined as a person with the lowest level of intelligence as measured by having an IQ of less than 25 (“Idiot” Def. 2).
Henry H. Goddard was a prominent American psychologist in the 20th century and he labeled people with low IQs as feebleminded. Idiot was included in the ranks of feeblemindedness (Tibbetts, 73). Goddard redefined the use of the word idiot. He described idiot, imbecile and moron as having separate meanings that each correlate to a specific range on the IQ test in psychology: 0-25, 26-50 and 51 - 70. These terms were all commonly used in psychology until the 1960’s but now they are replaced with mild retardation, severe retardation, and moderate retardation and profound retardation (Hiskey).
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This section provides a case of idiot being used in society today Contrast the definition on the current page with the one on the next page On this page you'll find information about when idiot is used and how. Learn about the consequences of being called an idiot on this page. Here you'll find a list of my sources. |