How did Terman select his Termites for the study?

Terman's selection of participants, known as the "Termites," was based on nominations by teachers. He sought out children who were considered gifted and had high intelligence as measured by their performance on standardized tests. This approach allowed Terman to compile a group of individuals who not only excelled academically but were also recognized by educators for their potential.

The emphasis on teacher nominations was significant in ensuring that the children selected were not solely defined by their test scores but also by their overall capabilities and contributions within a classroom setting. This method provided a more holistic view of intelligence that encompassed both cognitive ability and social recognition within educational environments.

Terman's focus on teacher recommendations highlights the importance of external validation in the assessment of giftedness, aligning the selection process with educators' insights into student performance and potential.