Saturday, August 22, 2009

What is considered a genius IQ score?

When you talk about IQ tests you need to understand how they are measured. You need to understand a few words here.Mean = average.Bell curve = a line drawn on a graph that looks similar to a bell.Standard deviation = a distance that is measured away from the mean or average.Let me explain.The average score of an IQ test is usually 100. That is the mean.For many tests, the standard deviation is 15. Others have different standard deviations.This information now explains a few things.You move 1 standard deviation in each direction from 100. So you go 100-15=85 and you go 100+15=115.This gives you a range of 85 to 115. In a bell curve this means that 68% of all people score between 85 and 115 on the IQ. Half of that is 34%. So 100 to 115 is 34% of people.I am probably losing you a bit now.Basically you go 4 standard deviations in each direction.1 deviation is 68% of all scores. From 85 to 115.2 deviations are 95% of all scores. From 70 to 130.3 deviations are 99.7% of all scores. From 55 to 145.4 deviations are 99.99% of all scores. From 40 to 160.Most groups would consider that an IQ of 160 and above is at a genius level. That equates to 1 out of 10,000 people.There are different tests and different scores to reach but the majority of the information I have written here applies.By the way, an average IQ and a great work ethic and dedication to succeed will secure you success in life.