How do IQ tests work, what is the average IQ, what is Mensa and what was Stephen Hawking’s intelligence quotient?
Stephen Hawking is said to have had an exceptionally high IQ score - but what does it mean and what is the average?
EVER wanted to know if you really are intelligent? Well taking an IQ test can let you know if you have superior mental abilities.
Here's everything you need to know about the test and the people with the highest IQs in the world.
How do IQ tests work?
IQ, which is short of Intelligence Quotient, is a way of measuring a person's intelligence and metal comprehension.
An IQ test can work out exactly what a person's intelligence is, by using a series of mental exercises to measure their mental agility.
The test usually has two parts - verbal and performance - and cannot be faked as you either have the ability to answer the questions or you don't.
However, some argue that IQ tests are not an accurate way of measuring a person's ability and that the test is "fundamentally flawed".
What is the average IQ?
There is a scale that shows what an average IQ is as well as a what is above and below "normal".
The scale shows that and IQ score between 90 and 110 is considered average with most of the population scoring between 85 and 115 on an IQ test.
Any score below 70 is considered below average and could indicate problems with cognitive awareness.
While a score of 120 above is considered superior and indicates intellectual giftedness.
What is Mensa?
Mensa is a society that was formed in England in 1946 especially for bright people with a high IQ.
The aim of the society is to "provide a stimulating intellectual and social environment for its members" and to encourage them to use their intelligence.
Only the top two per cent of the population are allowed to join, and you must have an IQ of 132 or above.
Mensa say that their members come from all walks of life from pre-school children to people in their 90s.
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What was Stephen Hawking's IQ?
He is often regarded as the most intelligent man in the world, so it's estimated that his IQ would have been amongst the highest in the world.
So it is no surprise that it has been reported that Stephen Hawking had an IQ of over 160.
However, this is based on an estimate, as it is believed that he never actually took an IQ test.