Gauging intelligence with one question...?

Question

Does anyone know one question that can instantly tell if you're talking to someone who is intelligent?...average?...a dunce?

...as in a tool to make sure that you don't sound so condescending in the following conversation that ensues (or give you a chance to bail out in case the other person is an opinionated rocket scientist and...um...you're not).

I don't want to get hit over the head asking that question, stephen--but it will weed out the dunces though.

KYM, that's classic--yeah i guess that would still work very well

Jim, good point. Although, I meant this just as sort of a snapshot--wouldn't use it as some sort of final judgement...far from it.

Noted, Adam...thanks for the perspective

I was also thinking maybe a quick riddle or a joke that requires a second of musing...i agree with you, Chronic, nothing specific of course...and even getting riddles and jokes may be a specific kind of intelligence (?)

Sophie...most of y'all are right to point out that there isn't one question that will work for the whole spectrum...how about 'any question that work on most?' Mind you, this is just out of curiosity.

haha Baz, like boggle? Good suggestion--I don't know if i want to have to hand out pens and paper though.

S8...it seems unanimous so far, the fairness and propriety for having a fixed question and having it be a gauge is an issue to deal with (i agree, a very important one)
the introduction of said question will be subtle though and again will not totally impress or unimpress me.

very canny S8

PV...i agree that it would work--and most of the time, but it's also about as subtle as a sledgehammer

Answer 1

It's probably a more fair measure of where the person stands to have a short conversation with them on their terms at first, as in, ask them what they are into and allow them to tell you about it, and then move to your interests. If you are really trying to be fair to people and gauge how to interact with them appropriately, I do not think searching for one question to ask almost everyone is an effective tactic. It really ends up just putting them on the spot, which rarely makes people comfortable, and could end up giving you a totally incorrect measure. I generally can gauge what level a person is comfortable at by the vocabulary they use and the depth and interest they have in the topics they choose to discuss. Afterall, I think there is a difference between knowing lots of trivia, or just facts about a lot of different things, and being intelligent and thoughtful. Asking them about their favorite book or movie is a good starting point though - as was previously mentioned. I wouldn't base your answer on which book or movie they picked, but their reasons for picking it - that is where the real thought comes in. Hope this helps :)

Or... is this a more clever question than it seems? Have you answered your own question in asking it? ;)

Answer 2

Unfortunately, no. Everyone has their good days and bad days and even Einstein blew people off some days for seemingly no reason; well, no reason they could see. So, we have to understand that good people are just that, human and bound to make mistakes, even the most intelligent of them.

What I would do is keep doing what you already are; asking questions and then giving them the chance to respond. Then basing your opinion over time on their track record and not making snap judgments. Everyone wants a "magic bullet or pill" but they always come with a cost, and usually the cost is accuracy in the form that they only work on one monster or being and no one else. So you could be passing up great opportunities by passing quick judgments . . . so stay as wise as you are now and try to give people the opportunities they deserve (and you).

Answer 3

Assuming the basic get-to-know questions were already asked of the person and some kind of chemistry has been established, normally an intelligent question like " any exciting plans in the future? could provide a good indication of a person's level of intelligence in terms of personal aspirations and attitude.

Answer 4

Impossible. While one question can give you a relative impression of a person, you can only truly get a sense of that person from ongoing, full conversations.

Any question you might ask may lie within their field of expertise, or conversely completely outside of it.

{Additional: BTW, I really liked Kutekymmee's answer. I often use a similar question during interviews, asking applicants what the last book they read was.}

Answer 5

A physician might be ignorant about internal combustion engines.

A single question would be specific to a particular field or science and cannot be all inclusive in determining intelligence.

Humor and honesty are traits I deem to be "intelligent". If you can't laugh at reality I know some folks who can.

Answer 6

Ive been thinking about this kind of question , and any question you ask such as give everyone a six letter word and ask them to make as many words as they can out of this one word would measure intelligence in everyone. :-) OR you could come up with a pop quiz you just fire at them to see how quickly they can respond?

Answer 7

there is no one question. If you had one question you'd have to follow it up with another ingelligent question. At that point you'd be showing the true colors and the person answering your questions would walk away from you.

Answer 8

The best question I've found is:

"Define Intelligence."

Works everytime.

Answer 9

I usually go with "what good books have you read lately?"

Answer 10

"Your epidermis is showing."
or
"Have you heard about the 'End women's suffrage' movement?"