It is common to come across references to individuals boasting extraordinarily high IQs – names such as William James Sidis, Terence Tao, Marilyn Vos Savant, among others, with scores above 200.
Correct interpretation of Intelligence Quotient (IQ) is crucial to dispel prevalent misunderstandings. It is common to come across references to individuals boasting extraordinarily high IQs – names such as William James Sidis, Terence Tao, Marilyn Vos Savant, among others, with scores above 200. However, it is essential to recognize that such numbers represent childhood relationship IQ , not being indicative of standard deviation IQ in adults.
Historically, the calculation of IQ employed a proportion method, which was in effect for more than a century. This method calculated mental age, derived from intelligence tests, in relation to chronological age, multiplied by 100. Currently, this procedure is considered obsolete in the fields of psychology and psychometrics.
In the contemporary context, IQ is measured using the standard deviation method. This approach measures how far an individual’s score differs from the population average. Scores obtained on IQ tests are adapted to a normal distribution or Bell curve, with a mean set at 100 and a standard deviation of 15. This methodology is used in most professional IQ tests. The distribution reveals that 68% of the population scores between 85 and 115, while only a minority scores below 70 or above 130.
As for Terence Tao and Marilyn Vos Savant’s IQ scores, Tao is estimated to have a real IQ of approximately 175 (SD 16), or alternatively 170 (SD 15), and Vos Savant of approximately 132 (SD 16), or potentially 130 (SD 15). It is important to note that these estimates disregard scores on high-range tests, focusing exclusively on professional assessments. IQ assessments performed by certified psychologists remain the most reliable means of determining adult IQ.
When approaching information about IQ, critical analysis is essential, especially when coming from non-specialist sources on the internet. It is important to emphasize that the intrinsic value of IQ lies in the way it is used for positive individual and social contributions. Possession of an exceptionally high IQ is not an end in itself.
In short, while IQ provides a measure of intellectual potential, its relevance is limited without the effective application of that potential. Therefore, more crucial than understanding IQ scores is focusing on developing and utilizing skills in ways that positively impact the lives of the individual and society.
