IQ scores not accurate marker of intelligence, study shows (2024)

By Michelle Castillo

/ CBS News

Could IQ scores be a false indicator of intelligence?

Researchers have determined in the largest online study on the intelligence quotient (IQ) that results from the test may not exactly show how smart someone is.

"When we looked at the data, the bottom line is the whole concept of IQ -- or of you having a higher IQ than me -- is a myth," Dr. Adrian Owen, the study's senior investigator and the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Cognitive Neuroscience and Imaging at the university's Brain and Mind Institute said to the Toronto Star. "There is no such thing as a single measure of IQ or a measure of general intelligence."

More than 100,000 participants joined the study and completed 12 online cognitive tests that examined memory, reasoning, attention and planning abilities. They were also asked about their background and lifestyle.

They found that there was not one single test or component that could accurately judge how well a person could perform mental and cognitive tasks. Instead, they determined there are at least three different components that make up intelligence or a "cognitive profile": short-term memory, reasoning and a verbal component.

Scientists also scanned participants' brains with a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) machine and saw that different cognitive abilities were related to different circuits in the brain, suggesting that the theory that different areas of the brain control certain abilities may be true.

Researchers also discovered that training one's brain to help perform better cognitively did not help.

"People who 'brain-train' are no better at any of these three aspects of intelligence than people who don't," Owen said.

For some reason, people who played video games did better on reasoning and short-term memory portions of the test.

However, aging was associated with a decline on memory and reasoning abilities. Those who smoked did worse on short-term memory and verbal portions, while those with anxiety did badly on short-term memory test components.

"We have shown categorically that you cannot sum up the difference between people in terms of one number, and that is really what is important here," Owen told the CBC.

"Now we need to go forward and work out how we can assess the differences between people, and that will be something for future studies," he added.

The study was published in Neuron on Dec. 20.

Michelle Castillo

IQ scores not accurate marker of intelligence, study shows (1)

Michelle Castillo is an associate editor for CBSNews.com.

IQ scores not accurate marker of intelligence, study shows (2024)

FAQs

IQ scores not accurate marker of intelligence, study shows? ›

IQ scores are a strong but imperfect predictor of general intelligence

general intelligence
The g factor (also known as general intelligence, general mental ability or general intelligence factor) is a construct developed in psychometric investigations of cognitive abilities and human intelligence.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › G_factor_(psychometrics)
. They correlate with brain structure, genetic and environmental factors, and can predict various cognitive and real-world outcomes. However, their use as covariates in research and the generalizability of score gains remain contentious.

Are IQ tests accurate measures of intelligence? ›

According to Weiten, "IQ tests are valid measures of the kind of intelligence necessary to do well in academic work. But if the purpose is to assess intelligence in a broader sense, the validity of IQ tests is questionable." Some scientists have disputed the value of IQ as a measure of intelligence altogether.

What is one of the major criticism against IQ tests? ›

Answer and Explanation: One of the major criticisms of intelligence tests is that they do not take into account cultural differences. This means that intelligence tests are typically designed for one specific culture and almost all of them are designed for Western cultures.

What is the biggest criticism of IQ tests? ›

Many critics have argued that IQ tests ignore or underestimate the contribution of factors like emotion, social skills, motivation or even morality. However, the response to this is that g is only a measure of cognitive ability, and so it cannot be judged as invalid for excluding non-cognitive abilities.

Which of the following do IQ scores not predict? ›

What do IQ scores not predict? creativity, insight, street smarts, or ability to read social cues. High intelligence is: associated with resilience, ability to do well in adverse circ*mstances.

What is Elon Musk's IQ? ›

Elon Musk's IQ puts him in the Highly Gifted category. IQ tests provide insight into an individual's cognitive ability. As mentioned earlier, Elon Musk's IQ score is believed to be between 155 and 160. Above-average IQ scores within this range are only reserved for the "Highly Gifted" IQ classification.

What can an IQ test not measure? ›

An IQ score doesn't measure your practical intelligence: knowing how to make things work, says Richard Nisbett, a professor of psychology at the University of Michigan. It doesn't measure your creativity. It doesn't measure your curiosity.

What are three problems with IQ tests? ›

IQ tests have the potential to inaccurately measure an individual's intelligence and cause problems including low confidence, unrealistic expectations, and just a generally flawed understanding of a person's potential.

How are IQ tests flawed? ›

Many psychologists believe that traditional intelligence tests too often measure what a child already knows, not how well they can think. Jack Naglieri, a psychologist and creator of cognitive assessments, offered examples of questions that try to assess thinking rather than measuring pre-existing knowledge.

What is the controversy about IQ tests? ›

Some of the controversies surrounding IQ tests revolve around the notion that they are inherently biased against certain ethnic groups, namely Black and Hispanic Americans. 13 This apparent bias then can result in discrimination and disadvantages for these groups.

Why is IQ not a good indicator of intelligence? ›

Intelligence, while partly innate, can only develop in a favourable context. School, family and social environment all play a fundamental role. As a result, IQ cannot be measured without reference to education or the social and family context, because intelligence is linked to these.

What IQ is considered genius? ›

Historical IQ classification tables
IQ Range ("ratio IQ")IQ Classification
Above 140"Near" genius or genius
120–140Very superior intelligence
110–120Superior intelligence
90–110Normal, or average, intelligence
3 more rows

What is the average IQ in the United States? ›

The United States has an average IQ of 98, according to the latest data from 2022. Males in the U.S. have a slightly higher average IQ than females, with males averaging 99 and females averaging 97. The average IQ for Caucasians in the U.S. is 100, while the average IQ for African Americans is 85.

Is an IQ test considered if it actually tests intelligence? ›

Expert-Verified Answer. An IQ test is considered valid if it actually tests cognitive ability. Validity is an important aspect of any psychological test, including IQ tests. It refers to the degree to which a test measures what it is intended to measure.

Can you have a high IQ and be bad at math? ›

Find things to do

Ann Clarkson, a spokesperson for Mensa, said: “People always assume high intelligence and maths correlate. Actually, they don't. “There are a lot of Mensa members who will tell you they are rubbish at maths – and there are a lot who are very good at maths.

What is the best measure of intelligence? ›

The intelligence quotient (IQ) is a measure of intelligence that is adjusted for age. The Wechsler Adult lntelligence Scale (WAIS) is the most widely used IQ test for adults.

How biased are IQ tests? ›

Intelligence tests contain cultural bias—they contain a strong bias that is in favor White, middle class groups; for example: (a) the tests measure knowledge and content that are more familiar to White, middle class Page 22 6 students than to diverse students; (b) the language on these tests is more familiar to White, ...

Top Articles
How to calculate project cash flow - Quantity Surveyor Blog
He Lost Interest in You: Top Reasons & Strategies to Get It Back
Victory Road Radical Red
What Are Romance Scams and How to Avoid Them
Wellcare Dual Align 129 (HMO D-SNP) - Hearing Aid Benefits | FreeHearingTest.org
Prosper TX Visitors Guide - Dallas Fort Worth Guide
Z-Track Injection | Definition and Patient Education
Mr Tire Prince Frederick Md 20678
Gabrielle Abbate Obituary
Flat Twist Near Me
Osrs But Damage
Palace Pizza Joplin
The fabulous trio of the Miller sisters
Playgirl Magazine Cover Template Free
Grab this ice cream maker while it's discounted in Walmart's sale | Digital Trends
Dirt Removal in Burnet, TX ~ Instant Upfront Pricing
Bank Of America Financial Center Irvington Photos
Palm Springs Ca Craigslist
Faurot Field Virtual Seating Chart
Team C Lakewood
Bethel Eportal
Riversweeps Admin Login
Which Sentence is Punctuated Correctly?
How to Make Ghee - How We Flourish
Panola County Busted Newspaper
Sandals Travel Agent Login
Hannah Palmer Listal
Turbo Tenant Renter Login
Is Holly Warlick Married To Susan Patton
Danielle Ranslow Obituary
Jersey Shore Subreddit
Ihs Hockey Systems
A Plus Nails Stewartville Mn
Ravens 24X7 Forum
Lil Durk's Brother DThang Killed in Harvey, Illinois, ME Confirms
Chase Bank Cerca De Mí
Craigslist Hamilton Al
Arcane Odyssey Stat Reset Potion
Top-ranked Wisconsin beats Marquette in front of record volleyball crowd at Fiserv Forum. What we learned.
What Does Code 898 Mean On Irs Transcript
WorldAccount | Data Protection
Newsweek Wordle
Smite Builds Season 9
Honkai Star Rail Aha Stuffed Toy
Amy Zais Obituary
Erespassrider Ual
300+ Unique Hair Salon Names 2024
Suppress Spell Damage Poe
60 Second Burger Run Unblocked
Spongebob Meme Pic
Tenichtop
Stone Eater Bike Park
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Fredrick Kertzmann

Last Updated:

Views: 6713

Rating: 4.6 / 5 (66 voted)

Reviews: 81% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Fredrick Kertzmann

Birthday: 2000-04-29

Address: Apt. 203 613 Huels Gateway, Ralphtown, LA 40204

Phone: +2135150832870

Job: Regional Design Producer

Hobby: Nordic skating, Lacemaking, Mountain biking, Rowing, Gardening, Water sports, role-playing games

Introduction: My name is Fredrick Kertzmann, I am a gleaming, encouraging, inexpensive, thankful, tender, quaint, precious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.