Wikipedia:Mediation Cabal/Cases/2009-11-12/Race and Intelligence

Where is the dispute?
Race and Intelligence

Who is involved?
Just a list of the users involved. For example:


 * User:Ramdrake
 * User:Captain Occam
 * User:Varoon Arya

Possibly (less involved, some possibly withdrawn from the case):
 * User:T34CH
 * User:Slrubenstein
 * User:Fences and windows
 * User:Mathsci
 * User:David.Kane
 * User:Distributivejustice
 * User:TechnoFaye
 * User:Wobble
 * User:Mikemikev
 * User:Chinpaya

What is the dispute?
The subject of Race and Intelligence deals with possible explanations of the observed IQ score gap between Blacks and Whites (as racially self-identified). Two competing hypotheses: the environmental hypothesis, which claims that differences are due to environmental factors (cultural differences, socio-economic status, etc.) which is usually considered the "mainstream hypothesis" and the hereditarian hypothesis, much more controversial and supported by a small minority, which claims that IQ score differences between Blacks and Whites are at least partially genetic in nature (the proportion proposed varies with the author). The main point of contention is how much weight to give each hypothesis in the article. Some editors want the hereditarian hypothesis portrayed as that of a small minority, with due weight given those arguments, while some other editors would like an article which presents the hereditarian hypothesis as a valid alternative, of roughly equal value.

What would you like to change about this?
Help in determining appropriate weight for each hypothesis based on available scientific literature, and help in conveying this just weight in the article.

How do you think we can help?
Outside help would be welcome, as both sides are becoming more and more entrenched in their positions. Mediator should preferably be conversant with scientific method and scientific literature.

Mediator notes
I will be glad to take this case. I will be in contact with all parties shortly. I will be using the method the Mediation Committee uses in handling this dispute. Reubzz (talk) 14:17, 14 November 2009 (UTC)
 * General Note - The discussion on the article page goes on for many long pages of archieved debate. To review all the debate would simply be impossible, although I will attempt to read as much as possible to get a feel for the dispute. Further, I have reviewed Wikipedia Policies that may come into play here to better prepare myself for finding a compromise that can be lasting rather than this dispute going on for another 74 achieved pages. :) Most parties have indicated acceptance at a very fast rate; this makes me feel that the parties will be willing to discuss in a reasonable tone and in a reasonable way. Reubzz (talk) 16:30, 14 November 2009 (UTC)
 * As of this time, all parties have consented to Mediation! :D Reubzz (talk) 22:11, 14 November 2009 (UTC)

rmv myself from list of mediators. Wordsmith will take my place; Reubzz will still be the primary mediator. I'll continue to keep an eye on it. Xavexgoem (talk) 17:47, 17 November 2009 (UTC)

Administrative notes
Parties have agreed to not edit the article in areas relating to the disputed content matter. Reubzz (talk) 18:44, 15 November 2009 (UTC)
 * Xavexgoem has joined as a co-mediator. Reubzz (talk) 02:54, 17 November 2009 (UTC)

Discussion
ATTENTION PARTIES: I am considering have removed the above discussion. The very last thing I believe will help this situation is to restart the debate on this page.

Please post your opening statements on the talk page. Reubzz (talk) 20:43, 14 November 2009 (UTC)

Agreeing with Mediation

 * User:Ramdrake (Mediation accepted)
 * User:Captain Occam (Indicated acceptance on mediator talk page)
 * User:Varoon Arya (I accept)
 * User:T34CH (Indicated approval on mediator talk page)
 * User:Slrubenstein (I have not been that active lately, but I accept mediation)
 * User:Fences and windows (I'm only marginally involved, but mediation is fine)
 * User:Mathsci (mediation fine)
 * User:David.Kane (I accept mediation from Reubzz.)
 * User:Distributivejustice (Indicated acceptance on mediator talk page)
 * User:Muntuwandi (Mediation accepted)
 * User:Wobble
 * User:Mikemikev (I accept)
 * User:Chinpaya (I accept)