10 Interesting Facts About IQ You Probably Didn’t Know

Each person is intelligent in their way, and each person shows this differently. Intelligence represents the ability to cope with new situations, and IQ represents the Intelligence Quotient first introduced by William Stern, a German psychologist. It shows the level of intelligence in relation to other people in the environment. Tests that measure IQ are standardized and tailored to different people based on where they live and their cultures.

If you want to know how high your IQ is, check out iq-global-test.com, and there you will find a test tailored to you. In case you are interested in learning more about this topic, keep reading and find out things you probably didn’t know.

Source: TED Talks

1. The first test was used for medical purposes

The first tests to measure intelligence were used in medicine as a diagnostic tool. Later, the first modern test was constructed by Binet, and its purpose was to distinguish mentally retarded children from those who have average intelligence but are lazy. The revision of this scale yielded tests that are still used today for various purposes.

2. They are widely used in the military

Average IQ is one of the main conditions for joining the army. By using those tests, like this one, it is possible to determine the ability of the future soldier to withstand the pressure and successfully perform the tasks assigned to him. That facilitates the distribution of soldiers in different positions so that each of them can give their maximum.

Source: Mother Jones

3. Tests can measure creativity

It can be difficult to believe that IQ tests can measure creativity, but it is true. Those tests are complex, and besides other things, they can also measure innovative ideas and pattern detection that can be crucial for creativity. Creative persons have high scores on those scales, and it can be easy to recognize them.

4. Intelligence can be learned

It is not true that intelligence is entirely hereditary. Scientists agree that about 80% of intelligence is due to genetics but that the remaining 20% is due to learning. That means that creative toys in early childhood can increase IQ levels as well as better schooling. Children who have had these conditions show better success on tests, learn faster and get along better in life. Early childhood has a great influence on later development.

Source: The New Yorker

5. Physical attention is helpful

Tenderness and attention have a positive effect on every person in every sense. Children who have had such a relationship with their parents grow into reliable and satisfied people, and it is easier for them to create connections with other people. These children also have a higher level of intelligence and cope better with life’s challenges and problems. If you want to help your child, hug him more often, and you are already on the right track.

6. Breastfeeding has a positive effect

Breastfeeding creates an unbreakable bond between mother and child. In addition to having a positive impact on a child’s health, it also can increase intelligence. Breastfed babies are more positive, happier, and more satisfied and live with less stress. All this affects curiosity and readiness to face problems but also reduces stress and creates more stable people. The IQ level of children who are breastfed can be 8 points higher than those who are not, so breastfeeding is a great option for all mothers who have the opportunity.

Source: MIT Technology Review

7. Connection with suicidal feelings

Suicidal feelings are scary and can happen to anyone in certain segments of life. However, research shows that people with lower IQs are more likely to experience these feelings. That happens because these people struggle harder with stress and finding rational solutions to problems. Because of that, suicide seems like their only solution. In such situations, professional help is necessary. It is good to know that these thoughts can be prevented with it.

8. Beer or wine

You probably have not thought about how someone’s favorite drink can talk about his intelligence, but that is possible too. Studies show that people who drink wine are more intelligent than those who drink beer. The explanation for this is the fact that people who drink beer stick more to some social standards, and wine looks more refined. Of course, this is not a reliable method, so do not avoid someone just because their favorite drink is the beer since they may pleasantly surprise you.

Source: Inc. Magazine

9. Birth order is not relevant

The misconception that first-born babies have higher IQs is widespread. Fortunately for those born second or third, this is not true. Scientists have concluded that the order of birth is not related to the level of intelligence, nor the number of children in the family. Thus a child who is born first has the same chance of being intelligent, as one who is born second or who is the only child in the family. Genetics plays a bigger role in this, but also the personality and age of the parents.

10. Scores

It is important to know what is average and what is high intelligence to understand intelligence. Average values range from 90 to 110, and 50% of all people fall into this group. A score of 130 is considered high, and people with this score gain the right to join Mensa, which represents the High IQ Society. There is no upper limit on the tests, so there is no limit to the result. The highest IQ ever recorded belonged to Terence Tao, a mathematician whose score was 220-230.

Source: The Conversation

IQ can be an important predictor of many things in life, but it is certainly not the only one. Higher intelligence certainly means better coping in life, but even people with lower scores can lead rich and fulfilling lives. In the end, it is not the numbers that determine us, but many factors play a role. Everyone is special in their way, and the most important thing is to use your potential to the maximum. Only in this way can we enjoy life and live it to the fullest.