How do IQ scales break down scores into different IQ levels?
However, any score over 116 is considered “above average.”
In older classification systems, scores over 140 were described as “near” genius or genius scores.
Illustration by Joshua Seong
Aregeniuses more successfulthan their lower-IQ counterparts?
Some experts suggest that other factors, includingemotional intelligence, might matter even more than IQ levels.
These labels are often given for IQ scores:
An average IQ score is between 85 and 115.
68% of IQ scores fall within one standard deviation of the mean.
That means that the majority of people have an IQ score between 85 and 115.
Today, such scores would instead be described as gifted.
Understanding IQ Scale Scores
IQ scores follow what is known as the bell curve.
What IQ Scores Really Mean
What exactly constitutes a genius score on a measure of intelligence?
To understand the score, it is important first to learn a little more about IQ testing in general.
Binet’s measure of intelligence was based on the average abilities of children of a particular age group.
They are not intended to measure knowledge in specific subject areas like the SAT and ACT tests focus on.
IQ Scores Are Increasing
IQ scores have also increased with passing generations.
This is known as the Flynn effect, named for researcher James R. Flynn.
Recently, some researchers have suggested there has been a reversal of the Flynn effect starting in the 1990s.
Instead, this reversal may be due to cultural or environmental changes.
Changes in test-taking tendencies or abilities may also cause it.
An IQ level of 120 would be described as ‘above average or bright’ on an IQ scale.
The average score is 100, and 68% of all people have scores between 85 and 115.
Any IQ score above 116 would be considered above average.
Other factors, including social-emotional intelligence, are also important.
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