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There is a persistent stereotype that geeks (let's formally define that as people a couple of standard deviations better than average in math, computers or other related abilities) as a whole have relatively poor language/communication skills, especially compared to other smart people with different talents (e.g. lawyery types). I hope this doesn't need "notability" claim :)

  • Is there any research confirming or denying this?

  • Is there a significant difference between "language" skills and "communication" skills in this context?

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I would prefer to see an example claim, if it was at all possible, to remove the vagueness from the question. (Your definition of 'geek' is unusual, and you ask the answerer to define language and communication skills.) – Oddthinking♦ Dec 25 '12 at 13:31
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(Speculation: If a child is good at words but not at maths, they are encouraged become a lawyer. Good at maths but not at words, they are encouraged to take a technical role. Good at both, they might get encouraged to become a doctor. Good at neither, they might be encouraged to become a manager/insert-your-own-dig-here. This explains the stereotype without a correlation being required.) – Oddthinking♦ Dec 25 '12 at 13:35
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@Sklivvz: There are at least three broad definitions of "geek". Oxford Dictionaries suggest: an unfashionable or socially inept person; a knowledgeable and obsessive enthusiast; a carnival performer who performs wild or disgusting acts. Same dictionary has two definitions for nerd: a foolish or contemptible person who lacks social skills or is boringly studious; a single-minded expert in a particular technical field. So, to say geeks or nerds are socially inept is almost a tautology (depending on the definition intended). – Oddthinking♦ Dec 25 '12 at 14:32
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Ok, but restricting it makes it arbitrarily focused. The claim is very broad, but the question needn't be. – Sklivvz♦ Dec 25 '12 at 15:35
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@Oddthinking "Good at both, they might get encouraged to become a doctor." Having taught intro physics to a bunch of premeds more than once, I can't say I've been very impressed with their mathematical capacity. And even among diabetologist most have trouble working the arithmetic of insulin pumps without a calculator. – dmckee Dec 28 '12 at 0:49
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1 Answer

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Autism, high IQ autists will still have communication problems but can very well function in Math related studies. Autists fit the stereotype of geek that can't communicate. If one group has a higher percetage of autists then another, the one group will lean more toward the geeky stereotype then the other.

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Welcome to Skeptics. Please provide some references to support your claims. – Oddthinking♦ Dec 27 '12 at 10:36
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In particular, please reference, that it is true that there is an autism imbalance and that it makes a significant contribution. As it stands, this is just wild speculation on the causes of an unproven effect. – Sklivvz♦ Dec 27 '12 at 11:11

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