In my early 20s my wife and I took an intelligence test, since we had both been "gifted" students and it seemed like something fun to do.
She scored about 10 points higher than me, but as we reviewed the test and my answers, I had logical reasons for selecting my choices. For instance in the tests involving figures, I might have counted visible vertexes and found that the initial series all had an odd number of visible vertexes, and only one of the resulting set fit that pattern (although the rotation or whatever the "real" problem didn't work out) There were many more examples -- probably most of the test -- where there was a bunch of implied context that the reader may or may not have accepted. In fact, I'd argue that some of my "wrong" answers were much better in terms of creativity than the right ones. Some involved much more complex reasoning answers. Some involved thinking about a problem in a unique way.
After that experience we didn't do any more tests or think much about them.
If you list it on your CV, someone may "remember" that they thought you were really smart but likely won't remember what gave them that impression. That is a win.
If you go to a Mensa social gathering, you may develop a meaningful relationship loosely predicated on having something positive in common. That would be a win.
I personally don't place much stock in the IQ tests but don't think there is anything wrong with joining. It's not much different than joining an alumni association or any other affinity group.
[+] [-] tokenadult|16 years ago|reply
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/12/magazine/12QUESTIONS.html
New York Times: What is your I.Q.?
Stephen Hawking: I have no idea. People who boast about their I.Q. are losers.
[+] [-] DanielBMarkham|16 years ago|reply
She scored about 10 points higher than me, but as we reviewed the test and my answers, I had logical reasons for selecting my choices. For instance in the tests involving figures, I might have counted visible vertexes and found that the initial series all had an odd number of visible vertexes, and only one of the resulting set fit that pattern (although the rotation or whatever the "real" problem didn't work out) There were many more examples -- probably most of the test -- where there was a bunch of implied context that the reader may or may not have accepted. In fact, I'd argue that some of my "wrong" answers were much better in terms of creativity than the right ones. Some involved much more complex reasoning answers. Some involved thinking about a problem in a unique way.
After that experience we didn't do any more tests or think much about them.
[+] [-] lisper|16 years ago|reply
[+] [-] getonit|16 years ago|reply
[+] [-] rhettinger|16 years ago|reply
If you go to a Mensa social gathering, you may develop a meaningful relationship loosely predicated on having something positive in common. That would be a win.
I personally don't place much stock in the IQ tests but don't think there is anything wrong with joining. It's not much different than joining an alumni association or any other affinity group.
[+] [-] wake_up_sticky|16 years ago|reply