IQ and its role

[Belinda]

More like collective narcissism.

[daveg]

I dont know much about poet/play writers and if they need higher IQ but if they need then may be shakespear may have higher IQ. But for sure sceintific/numeric achievements need high IQ. Einsteen may be not good at his school but he was good at maths/physics hence he excelled in those subjects.

Yes, being good at maths and physics is a characteristic of people who are good at maths and physics. What of it?

[Amber]

More like collective narcissism.

But how much street cred is there in a society which seems to take its name from one of the less enjoyable aspects of being a woman?

[mystery]

I'm lost; are you talking about thinking of England Amber?

[Amber]

I'm lost; are you talking about thinking of England Amber?

No mystery. Think...Mensa. Oh dear.

[UmSusu]

Now I am confused : I thought Mensa was Latin for table

[JRM]

I thought Mensa was just good for fun puzzles, but no-one took it particularly seriously? Or maybe they do and I've not realised.

The only time I've come accross IQ testing is when my DS had some Educational Psychologist assessments last year. It measured various attributes of cognitive ability (so I assuemd was similar to CATS which I have never actually come across). Anyway, the assessment ended with the conclusion that no IQ could be given because there was a statistical difference between scores in the different areas. I would have thought that outcome would be similar for most people - we all have different strengths. And if that is the result looking at only 4 attributes, then if there was some broader testing to get a rounded view of 'IQ' then surely that would lead to most people not being able to be labelled with a final 'IQ number'?

I've come round to seeing the merits in some level of selection, but surely that selection should be based on what club/school you are trying to join?

[mad?]

I thought Mensa was just good for fun puzzles, but no-one took it particularly seriously? Or maybe they do and I've not realised.

I have, on occasion, met someone who takes it seriously. Never a good sign IME

[mystery]

I remember the advert that used to run at the back of Private Eye: Thick? Join DENSA. Send £5:00 to PO Box etc etc.

I think there are a lot of people who take the MENSA IQ tests because they are free / cheap and they've had some experiences which have made them feel stupid, and they are relieved when they get the results to find that they are not. So maybe it's not all bad?

[JRM]

I quite fancy doing the Mensa test to see how I would do. And I'd get a kick out of it if I could pass. But I don't think I'd ever own up to it in public. But notice that I haven't got round to it in case I wouldn't pass?