Take an IQ test for fun

An Intelligence Quotient is a measure of a person’s intelligence as indicated by an intelligence test.

And there’s the rub - nobody can agree on what intelligence actually is.

Dictionary definitions are delightfully vague: “The act or state of knowing”, “The exercise of the understanding” and “Readiness of comprehension” are three common definitions. This uncertainty explains why IQ tests are by no means standard or static.

In the past, general knowledge was considered to be part of your intelligence level. If you took a Us-based test and couldn’t name five presidents, you would automatically drop several IQ points.

Today’s IQ tests focus mostly on pattern recognition and abstract thinking as well as some basic maths and vocabulary skills. The results indicate what percentage of the population shares your IQ.

A score of 100 is considered average, with two-thirds of people scoring between 85 and 115. Those who score less than 70 are considered to be mentally retarded while gifted people score over 130.

Interestingly, IQ scores have increased by about three points per decade since the 1920s. It’s tempting to conclude that we are brighter than previous generations, however, scientists suspect standardisation of education curricula around the world means that more people practise the skills that are necessary for scoring well.

Although IQ tests tend to be quite accurate, few would consider them the ultimate indicator of intelligence.

Also, IQ scores are not related to happiness or success.

Even so, such tests are a great help in allowing you to analyse how you think and learn best.

Taking various tests to see if you can improve your score can also be great fun!

Next time you have 30 minutes to spare, pop online and Google free IQ test. Honestly, it will be more fun than an episode of Psych.