Who's Had Their IQ Tested? What Did You Score? What Does It Mean?

The Wololo Wombat on 23/10/2017 - 21:43
Last edited 23/10/2017 - 21:44

My friend is a clinical psychologist and offered to test my IQ on the weekend (for free) as she was recently trained on how to conduct them.

She used the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Fourth Edition test, it took about an hour and a half.(https://www.pearsonclinical.com/psychology/products/10000039…)

Without revealing my personal score (I might disclose this later if this forum gets interesting), I wanted to ask the community what their experiences/thoughts were on IQ.

I realise there is a lot of controversy surrounding the efficacy and usefulness of an IQ test and I recognise that IQ measures only part of what makes someone intelligent; it is not always a great indicator of success. But at the same time, I think it is a useful tool and correlates with success in many cognitively demanding fields. Certainly, I think it would be better to have a high IQ than a low one, after all, is intelligence not the humanity's most distinguishing feature?… Though the argument could be made that high IQ may make it difficult socially…

Have you done a professional IQ test (not an biased, ego stroking, online version!)? Why did you do it? What did you score, what does that mean

General Discussion

Comments

  • [Deactivated] on 23/10/2017 - 21:51

    Mensa bra….

  • trustnoone on 23/10/2017 - 21:57
    +4

    Not a professional one but I did one with this site https://www.ihiqs.org/ which I think I got 133, although to be honest, the mere fact I paid for an online IQ test probably means my real IQ is below average XD.

    I thought it was interesting though as the tests on the website was mostly abstract reasoning (which was partly why I did it as it let me practice it for psychometric testing for jobs I was applying for). But I found it interesting how this test was abstract reasoning and how I assume is different to most others? And that I probably would've got one IQ score with one type of test and a different one on another.

    To be honest I think IQ has very little to do with success, which in a way is kool. I saw super smart people at university fail to land any job, while the person trying really hard fighting for that grade being successful. I don't know if I'd say intelligence is humanitys most distinguishing feature, to me its maybe humaitys belief in being able to do anything. Which is probably why our intelligence grows?

    Either way though its kool your friend did a test for you, and definitely think it would be fun to try out, but for me its probably more ego stroking then anything (if its good, if its bad I'd probably just bad mouth the test :P).

  • jzdhgkd on 23/10/2017 - 21:58

    I haven't had my IQ formally tested.

    As you say there are plenty of studies/papers/articles/whatnot confirming what society has guessed to be true for a very long time - IQ is positively correlated with success.

    In my own profession there are plenty of people who are way smarter than myself with probably sky-high IQs but still have great social skills and are somehow in great shape too. I probably feel a hint of envy whenever I'm speaking with them haha.

    Of course there are plenty of other confounding factors such as physical or mental health issues, socioeconomic status, pure luck etc but for most careers I would agree with you - it'd be beneficial having an IQ of say 100-120 vs 80-100.

  • airal3rt on 23/10/2017 - 21:59

    it is not always a great indicator of success.

    To the contrary, it is the single greatest predictor of life success bar none.

    • The Wololo Wombat on 23/10/2017 - 22:36

      Really? Source?

      • AlienC on 24/10/2017 - 08:10
        -1

        Probably self experience or just watched a few IQ test videos.

  • pjetson on 23/10/2017 - 22:04

    As I understand it, IQ scores are normalised - "normal" is 100, half the population is higher than 100 and half is lower than 100. The results form a bell curve - most people are close to the middle, with progressively fewer people out to the extremes.

    I don't think an IQ score means much really. You may be better at some things than me, and I may be better at other things than you. Who is "smarter"?

    • mskeggs on 23/10/2017 - 22:08
      +3

      Finally, a test I have a chance of gaining 100 in!
      Not a big chance, but a chance!

      • bobbified on 24/10/2017 - 07:24

        Finally, a test I have a chance of gaining 100 in!
        I know you're kidding here… haha

        Judging by the responses and comments I've seen of yours over the years, I'm pretty sure your score would be quite high!! Share it! haha!

    • airal3rt on 23/10/2017 - 22:32
      +1

      I don't think an IQ score means much really. You may be better at some things than me, and I may be better at other things than you. Who is "smarter"?

      If I have an IQ of 60 and eat crayons all day, I will be better at correctly guessing the brand/colour of a crayon judging by the taste than Neil deGrasse Tyson. Who is "smarter"?

      C'mon, surely you can see how asinine your logic is here.

      • pjetson on 24/10/2017 - 08:27
        -1

        C'mon, surely you can see how asinine your logic is here

        Thomas Edison, Richard Feynman and Nikola Tesla are frequently quoted as having average (or perhaps only a standard deviation above average) results on IQ tests. I don't know a lot of detail about Thomas Edison's life, but I've read a lot about Richard Feynman and Nikola Tesla and it is obvious that they are much smarter than their IQ results would suggest.

        There is also lots of anecdotal evidence around about people with low IQ scores being very much cleverer than their scores would indicate.

        As I said, I don't think IQ scores, in and of themselves, mean all that much. You obviously have a different view, equally as "asinine" to me as you say mine is to you.

  • Ughhh on 23/10/2017 - 22:08
    +1

    Has anyone seen the Korean game show called "the genius"?

    I think IQ is only a part of intelligence. Sheldon (from big bang theory) is intelligent, but also dumb.

    • mskeggs on 23/10/2017 - 22:09
      +5

      I'm going to predict the overlap between mensa IQ champs and big bang theory watchers is not a large set.

      • Ughhh on 23/10/2017 - 22:13

        Sorry, I mean keeping up with the Kardashians.

        One of the riches and most famous families, combined IQ maybe low 100, but rich enough to literary squash you with their cash and jewellery.

    • airzone on 23/10/2017 - 22:28
      +7

      Intelligence is knowing that tomato is fruit.

      Wisdom is knowing not to include tomato on a fruit salad.

    • Nugs on 24/10/2017 - 06:38

      "Sheldon (from big bang theory) is intelligent, but also dumb."

      The character has an eidetic memory, he simply "doesn't forget anything". Does that mean he is 'smart'? What if he cannot solve a 'simple' problem because he hasn't come across it before.

      • Ughhh on 24/10/2017 - 12:07
        +1

        He has more than eidetic memory.

    • outlander on 24/10/2017 - 16:37

      I was stumped by that for a while, until I redefined "smart" to be "someone who utilises resources under their control effectively", instead of being a synonym for intelligent.

      In that way, "intelligent" is to "smart", as "muscled" is to "good at fighting" or "pretty face" is to "attractive"… which allows for people to be unintelligent and smart, or intelligent and dumb. The former describes many upper level management, and the latter describes most engineers.

  • original15 on 23/10/2017 - 22:10

    Have administered it. Fun test to use and learn about - most postgrad psych courses seem to train in it now.
    If I'm being sceptical though I'd say a score/experience from a friend administering it is very different to a clinical setting but hope you enjoyed it as it's certainly an intneresting experience!
    What was your favourite subtest?

    Plenty of studies have looked at collective intelligence or the interplay of IQ and EQ and correlations with performance etc
    Yes, its a strong predictor but unfortunately there's no test that will give us more than anywhere between .3 - .6 predictive validity so there's other pieces to the puzzle..

  • ihbh on 23/10/2017 - 22:12
    +1

    Though the argument could be made that high IQ may make it difficult socially

    Many very high IQ people such as Bill Gates and Warren Buffet are socially difficult. But they have admirers who appreciate their brilliance and quirkiness and tolerate their bluntness. And a couple of billion dollars can go a long way to overcoming social difficulties.

  • [Deactivated] on 23/10/2017 - 22:13

    The proof of the pudding is in the eating. IQ tests may give you a score. Using the grey matter effectively is another matter entirely. Focus on your OZBQ ozbargainQ and you'd be alright.

  • cypher67 on 23/10/2017 - 23:16
    +1

    I did a Mensa test a few times ranged from low 140's to high 150's. Whilst I believe I am smarter than the average bear, I often come across people I consider to be much smarter and wiser than I am. I have always been strong with math, puzzles, shapes, spacial recognition and patterns; So IQ tests kinda played to my strengths. I am however terrible at crosswords and almost failed English in High school. English does have its role in the tests, but it is mostly questions like "Grieve means the same as 1) Mourn 2) Cry 3) Sorrow 4) Heartache", which isn't that much of a stretch to work out. If you believe these tests are a true test of intelligence, it would have me higher than Einstein and Hawkins etc, I wouldn't even hold a candle to their intellect. I did the tests because I enjoy those types of questions and hasn't impacted my life in anyway.

    • ihbh on 24/10/2017 - 07:58

      You're describing fluid intelligence (ability to solve new problems) vs crystallized intelligence (ability to use learned knowledge and experience).

    • [Deactivated] on 24/10/2017 - 10:43

      The first time I met a bunch of Mensa members in a room… I was disappointed.

      • bobbified on 24/10/2017 - 11:38

        Were they all wearing thick glasses and sporting bowl haircuts? haha

        • cypher67 on 24/10/2017 - 16:20

          Based on my experiences, they would have been regular, unremarkable people.

  • bobbified on 23/10/2017 - 23:48

    I've had my friend administer one as part of her PhD studies and came back with a score of 148. Internet IQ tests come back consistently with 141-145.

    I've had it done a couple of times for employment applications by external companies that run these tests. One was a two hour session with three parts and the other was a three hour session with four parts. The four part one had a personality test component in it. Both times I've come back within the top 0.1% which they said was the highest they could measure. A psycologist called back to discuss the results.

    One of the companies I applied for didn't even bother with additional interviews and offered the job straightaway. Thought it was quite funny that they simply based an offer on that test. I thought they'd use it for for indicative purposes only - but guess not!

    I went to a selective school so not sure if the competitive nature and surroundings I was in for all those years had anything to do with shaping those scores.

    • airal3rt on 24/10/2017 - 02:06

      One of the companies I applied for didn't even bother with additional interviews and offered the job straightaway. Thought it was quite funny that they simply based an offer on that test. I thought they'd use it for for indicative purposes only - but guess not!

      Could you share/pm what company/industry?

      • bobbified on 24/10/2017 - 07:18

        PM'd!

        • Save Medicare on 26/10/2017 - 14:20

          Management consulting?

        • bobbified on 26/10/2017 - 14:23

          @Save Medicare:
          No, it was Senior Business Systems Analyst role (I won't mention the company publicly though). A little less fluffy than Management Consulting! haha

    • Save Medicare on 26/10/2017 - 14:21
      +1

      Selective schools test (at least in nsw) is basically an iq test

      • bobbified on 26/10/2017 - 14:28

        You're right actually - I've never thought about it that way. Maths, English and General Ability? I can't remember exactly what was in it.

        So a good IQ test result saved my parents a whole lot of private school fees! haha

        • Save Medicare on 26/10/2017 - 14:40
          +1

          Good selective schools get better year 12 scores than private schools anyway - I would never send my kids to a private school if they got into the selective school i went to.

  • fossilfuel on 24/10/2017 - 00:11

    I can give some insight into how we use them in schools.

    In public schools, a cognitive assessment is used as evidence to get funding for extra student support. This could mean a teachers aide, specific learning equipment, entry into a support unit etc. For students who score within the mild (55-70) to moderate (40-54) range, it acts as evidence for a placement into support unit.

    On the other hand, students who score in the superior range are eligible for accelerated programs and to skip grades, allowing them to finish school faster.

    Remember, an IQ test is subject to many demands. Someone who hasn't eaten properly or are sick may not perform as well due to lack of concentration. The environment one is in, if it's too cold or hot, can also affect test scores. Even the clinician can have an effect e.g pissy or moody clinical could make you unmotivated to do well.

    Though the argument could be made that high IQ may make it difficult socially…

    Most definitely not. You can have high IQ and high EQ. Same for low IQ and low EQ. There's a lot of interacting factors that determine someones IQ and EQ. Someone who is born into a shit environment, dealing with drugs and violence everyday and having little education could present with low IQ and low EQ. Alternatively, you can have someone excelling in cognitive functioning (e.g an academic) and is the life of the party - high IQ and high EQ. It's not that direct of a correlation.

    The WAIS can only show so much. There's a lot of stuff it doesn't test. It doesn't test your street smarts, financial literacy nor does it test common sense - stuff that we need more of in this world.

  • PJC on 24/10/2017 - 03:38

    178 on the Cattell scale according to Mensa. https://files.ozbargain.com.au/upload/46870/53260/mensa_178.…

  • AlienC on 24/10/2017 - 08:12

    Any good online ones I can do quickly now? Or long I suppose nothing much planned today besides a bit of music YouTube and Ozbargain haha lol like everyday !

  • mini2 on 24/10/2017 - 08:17

    WAIS-IV is probably as professional and accurate as it gets if administered correctly, couple of government agencies use that for various purposes.

  • chumlee on 24/10/2017 - 08:20
    +2

    I get an I test every 2 years by appointment so no Q to wait in

  • kaos on 24/10/2017 - 12:37
    +2

    last time I had an IQ test the results came back positive. I'm not sure what to think….

  • SirFlibbled on 24/10/2017 - 14:09

    I did one about a decade ago, did very well. But IQ tests really only test your ability to do IQ tests.

  • kaos on 24/10/2017 - 14:41

    agree- for instance someone in my family scored a genius level IQ and yet their life is a disaster. There are also plenty of resources to help you score better in these tests- you can train yourself in the fuzzy logic that is required. But all that proves is that you can score well in a test.

    Having a genius level IQ is interesting but not particularly useful.

    • bobbified on 26/10/2017 - 14:33

      plenty of resources to help you score better in these tests

      You could argue that if you could train yourself and apply the logic/skills required to get a higher IQ test score, then you could also apply the new logic/skills to other things in life.

      Armed with the new skills, does that make someone more intelligent? (I don't have the answer)

  • outlander on 24/10/2017 - 16:51
    +2

    I love talking about IQ, but the important thing to remember is that it allows you to do things, it doesn't give you them. And in the same stroke, as it attaining goals easier, it makes finding satisfaction that much harder. There's a quote floating around that goes something like "there is nothing so rare as happiness in intelligent people", which I see as true for a lot of smart people.

    This guy on youtube has a lot to say about it. One of the points he makes is that EQ is bullshit, made up to make people with low IQ feel better

    • Mokr on 27/10/2017 - 15:49

      "there is nothing so rare as happiness in intelligent people",

      Maybe in those who don't have god complexes and think they need to save the world or fulfill some potential

  • Save Medicare on 26/10/2017 - 14:22
    +1

    I did ok in the UMAT, which is basically an IQ surrogate

    • The Wololo Wombat on 10/11/2017 - 13:06

      How can you support communism and be on Ozbargain? This site is a capitalist's paradise?!

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