If American people are rated ''normal'' at an average of IQ100 how are we supposed to rate other races, with entirely different mores, policies, and cultures? Based on what? By whom? And, if people like Condolezza Rice are supposed to have an IQ of 200, or more, why aren't they doing more?
2006-07-13 01:30:40 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
The average of 100 on (most) intelligence tests is based on education, skill, and ability levels for humans. Admittedly, this is going to apply primarily to those living in developed countries--but it isn't just Americans who set the standard.
Second, when you say that someone has an IQ of 200, you need a context. Many IQ tests max out around 140--it is impossible to have an IQ higher than that. So the question is, "An IQ of 200 on what scale?" An IQ value doesn't really tell us anything--what is better is a percentile ranking. (I've seen one widely-accepted test where a score of 136 is the highest a person can score, placing them in the top 1% of the population.)
Third, what is it you expect smart people to be doing? It is not clear that ability guarantees performance. (Having taught in the classroom, I can say that there are many students who have the ability but who choose not to perform. Why do smart people have to live by a different standard?) You also seem to be implying that ability implies an obligation--you might could make a case for that, but I'm not sure it could be treated as a "given." So your last question is a bit vague. You seem to want them to do more, but I'm not sure what it is that they should be doing more of.
2006-07-13 01:47:11 · answer #1 · answered by tdw 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all, Dr. Rice is no where near 200 - Steven Hawkins isn't even a 200. Secondly, intelligence is not measured in mores, policies, or cultures. True, those things have a direct correlation on the intelligence of a population, but they are by no means a testable commodity in the world of intellectualism.
I can't speak for everyone, but I know that Mensa (http://www.mensa.org) grades worldwide on the same scale. It doesn't matter if you take the entrance test in Yangshuo, China, Ijebu Ode, Nigeria, or Queens, NY - it's the same basic test.
As for the difference that mores, policies, and cultures - it's extreme. History has shown that the more cultural diversity, social experiences, and educational opportunities an individual has, the better their odds are for increasing their intelligence exponentially.
So thank your lucky stars you are born in the US at this point in time. No other historical moment could have gave you such a wide advantage of opportunity and experiences to learn from. It's just a shame that most Americans waste it on mindless entertainment and generally intellectually laziness brought on by self-absorbed gluttony or blind religious faith.
2006-07-13 08:45:45 · answer #2 · answered by Dr. Brian 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Normal IQ use to be 125, but that produced too many stupid people, so it was lowered. People with IQs of 200 or more do not do more because they are smarter. Race, mores, policies and culture have nothing to do with IQ which means your question demonstrates an IQ of approximately 47.
2006-07-13 08:38:25 · answer #3 · answered by Colorado 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sorry ? Are you telling me that the whole IQ of the planet is based upon the IQ of Americans ? America has set the standard in IQ ?
No, I don`t think so. IQ is a mathematical formulae which is the same for the whole planet.
2006-07-13 08:35:06 · answer #4 · answered by greengunge 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The IQ number of 100 is only a basic guideline number.Most people have IQ's higher than that.
2006-07-13 08:33:33 · answer #5 · answered by WC 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take an IQ test and see how you do. Go on line to free IQ test and see for yourself. If you score 80 your okay..that is average to me. If you score 100 your doing good, but they don't consider that average its above average.
I scored 130 and and I can't believe the questions they give.
2006-07-13 08:36:54 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey, now that has inspired me a question...What if people got low IQ marks just because they don't understand english much, and not becuase they don't know the answer?
My IQ is 110, btw...
2006-07-13 08:49:30 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm as stupid as stupid can be. I scored 74 on an IQ test. So, I took it again and scored even lower. I kept taking it over and over again, and I'm like "these tests are too hard".
So I've just decided that the world needs stupid people like me so that the smart people will know that they're smart.
2006-07-13 15:27:17 · answer #8 · answered by curious 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋