Cognitive abilities amongst the Sámi population

We review and summarize the data contained in three studies on the IQ of Sámi peoples. Their IQ is estimated as highly similar to that of Finns (100.8 vs. 101), but their verbal IQ is lower and their visuospatial IQ is higher. We also examine whether the Sámi/ethnic Finn IQ difference is associated with g or not. Using the psychometric meta-analytic/method of correlated vectors hybrid model on two Skolt Sámi populations (resident in Nellim and Sevettijärvi) and Finnish children tested on the WISC, we found no association between the magnitude of the group differences by subtest and g loading when vector correlations derived from both comparisons (i.e. Finn vs. Sevettijärvi and Nellim vs. Finn) were meta-analyzed (Rho=−.094ns). The theoretical significance of these findings is discussed. •Three studies of the IQ of Lapps are summarized.•Lapps have an IQ around 100.8 are tilted towards visuospatial ability and away from verbal ability.•The theoretical significance of this profile is discussed.