Sir Cyril Burt was one of the pioneers of British psychology, at both the theoretical and practical level. More than anyone else, he was responsible for the introduction of IQ tests in the 11-plus exam. When these came under critical fire in the 1950s. Burt forged statistical data to prove that 'intelligence' was hereditary and therefore assessable in young children Burt's work was very widely quoted, but it took until the 1970s before his fraud was exposed, and then by people outside the IQ fraternity; a behavioural psychologist and a journalist.
Richard Morris of St Andrews University talks to some of Burt's pupils, including Hans Eysenck to try to understand his personality, his motives and most important of all why it took so long to unmask him.
Producer Martin GOLDMAN BBC
Scotland long wave only