Here on CuriousMatrix.com, we’ve written a lot about the smartest people, those with the highest IQs, and even celebrities with impressive IQs. However, we’ve never written about IQ itself. This time, we aim to cover this topic in depth.
So, what is IQ, really?
Well, IQ, or Intelligence Quotient, is a way to measure a person’s ability to reason and solve problems compared to others their age. It’s not about how much knowledge someone has, but how well they use their brain to process information.
For example, imagine being handed a toolbox. Some people can quickly grab the right tool for the job, while others might take longer or pick the wrong one. IQ tests aim to measure how efficiently someone can select and use the “tools” in their mind.
However, IQ is far from a perfect measure of intelligence. Albert Einstein, widely regarded as a genius, never took an IQ test, yet his ideas revolutionized science.
On the flip side, some individuals with exceptionally high IQ scores struggle to manage daily tasks or navigate social situations. In fact, in many cases, individuals with ultra-high IQs find it difficult to function in society. We discussed this in our article, The Smartest Person Who Ever Lived, where we covered the tragic story of William James Sidis.
All in all, intelligence is rather complex, extending far beyond the numbers a test provides.
So, having that in mind – let’s start with the history.
Interesting fact: Alfred Binet, the creator of the first IQ test, never intended for it to label people. His goal was to help schoolchildren who were struggling academically get the support they needed.
The History of IQ
The concept of IQ dates back to the early 20th century. In 1905, French psychologist Alfred Binet and his colleague Théodore Simon created the first IQ test. They developed it to help identify schoolchildren in need of special education. Their test focused on reasoning and problem-solving skills, not memorization (rote) knowledge.
Then, in 1912, German psychologist William Stern introduced the term “intelligence quotient.” He proposed calculating IQ by dividing a person’s mental age by their chronological age and multiplying by 100.
Soon after, Lewis Terman, an American psychologist, adapted Binet’s test for use in the United States. This adaptation, called the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale, became the standard for decades.
During World War I, the U.S. Army used IQ tests to assess recruits’ abilities and assign them roles. These tests, however, were controversial. They often reflected cultural and linguistic biases, disadvantaging non-native English speakers and immigrants. Over the years, psychologists refined IQ tests, attempting to make them more fair and accurate.
Today, IQ testing is a global thing, used in education, psychology, and business.
But how do tests actually work? And do they work at all?
Interesting fact: The first large-scale IQ testing program, conducted during World War I, tested over 1.7 million soldiers.
How Do IQ Tests Work?
An IQ test typically consists of puzzles, math problems, language challenges, and logic exercises. It’s like playing mental games: spotting patterns, solving riddles, and picking out the odd ones.
These tests aim to measure a person’s problem-solving ability and logical thinking.
However, IQ tests have many limitations. For example, someone raised in an environment with limited access to education or resources may struggle with test questions, not because they lack intelligence but because they’ve had fewer opportunities to practice those skills.
A child who grew up playing with puzzles might excel at spatial reasoning tasks, while one who didn’t might find them challenging. Cultural and environmental factors can influence test outcomes significantly.
Modern IQ tests, such as the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) or the Raven’s Progressive Matrices, attempt to minimize these biases. They include sections that measure verbal comprehension, working memory, processing speed, and other cognitive abilities.
Here are several examples taken from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale:
- Pattern – The test-taker is given a set of red-and-white blocks and a card showing a specific pattern. They are instructed to recreate the pattern using the blocks within a certain time limit. This subtest measures the ability to analyze visual information, recognize patterns, and construct designs. It reflects aspects of perceptual reasoning and nonverbal intelligence.
- Digit Span subtest – The test-taker listens as the examiner reads a sequence of numbers (e.g., “3, 7, 4”) and is asked to repeat them back in the same order (Digit Span Forward). In another part of the task, they may be asked to repeat the numbers in reverse order (Digit Span Backward), such as hearing “3, 7, 4” and saying “4, 7, 3.” This subtest evaluates short-term memory, focus, and mental manipulation skills.
- Vocabulary subtest – The test-taker is presented with individual words and asked to define them. For example: “What does the word meticulous mean?”, or “Can you define the word strategy?” Responses are scored based on accuracy and depth of understanding, ranging from simple to more nuanced explanations. This subtest evaluates verbal knowledge, general intelligence, and educational background.
Interesting fact: In 1984, a man attempted to cheat an IQ test by memorizing answers. Despite his efforts, his score came back average. IQ tests are harder to manipulate than most people think.
What is an Average IQ?
The average IQ score globally is standardized at 100, with most people scoring between 85 and 115. This range covers roughly 68% of the population, meaning a significant majority of people fall into what is considered the “average” intelligence bracket.
Scores above 130 are often labeled as “gifted,” while those below 70 indicate intellectual challenges. These categories help identify both ends of the spectrum but say little about creativity, emotional intelligence, or problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios.
When we look at the average IQ worldwide, it differs a lot by country or region due to factors like education, nutrition, healthcare, and socioeconomic conditions. The global average remains close to 100, but regional differences are sometimes unbelievable.
To clearly illustrate these differences, let’s compare the top 10 countries with the highest IQs and those with the lowest IQs.
Top 10 Countries with the Highest and Lowest IQs
Countries with the Highest IQs:
| Rank | Country | Average IQ |
| 1 | Singapore | 108 |
| 2 | Hong Kong | 108 |
| 3 | South Korea | 106 |
| 4 | Japan | 105 |
| 5 | Taiwan | 104 |
| 6 | China | 104 |
| 7 | Switzerland | 102 |
| 8 | Netherlands | 102 |
| 9 | Germany | 101 |
| 10 | Canada | 101 |
Countries with the Lowest IQs:
| Rank | Country | Average IQ |
| 1 | Equatorial Guinea | 59 |
| 2 | Somalia | 68 |
| 3 | Guinea | 67 |
| 4 | Mozambique | 66 |
| 5 | Liberia | 64 |
| 6 | Mali | 64 |
| 7 | Niger | 63 |
| 8 | Ethiopia | 63 |
| 9 | Senegal | 64 |
| 10 | Sierra Leone | 64 |
Now look at those two tables. There are differences as high as 40 points. Senegal, for example, has an average of 64 IQ while Singapore has 108 IQ.
This is a 44 IQ points difference!
How IQ is Trending Over Time
Over the past century, IQ scores have steadily increased, a phenomenon known as the Flynn Effect. On average, IQ scores have risen by about 3 points per decade. This means that someone who scored at the 100-point mark in the 1900s might score 113 by the 2000s due to the Flynn Effect.
Experts attribute this trend to several factors:
- Improved Education: Education systems worldwide have seen significant improvements over the years, with broader access to quality schooling, better teaching methodologies, and a higher emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving.
- Better Nutrition: Improved diets, particularly in early childhood, have led to better brain development, positively impacting cognitive abilities. Studies have shown that children with better nutrition perform better on IQ tests, indicating a correlation between physical and cognitive growth.
- More Stimulating Environments: Advances in technology, media, and the sheer availability of information have created more intellectually stimulating environments. The proliferation of television, the internet, and now smartphones has exposed individuals to a wealth of new ideas and learning opportunities.
In terms of specific numbers, studies indicate the following trends:
- 1930s-1940s: During this period, average IQ scores in developed countries were around 85 to 90. The IQ scale was standardized in the U.S. in 1932, with a mean of 100.
- 1950s-1960s: A noticeable rise in IQ scores began, with average scores reaching 100. This shift correlated with improved educational standards and greater access to secondary education.
- 1970s-1980s: The Flynn Effect was most evident during this time, with IQ scores increasing by about 3 points per decade. By the 1980s, the average IQ was around 105.
- 1990s-2000s: The trend continued, with scores rising steadily, and by 2000, the average IQ in many Western countries was approximately 110.
However, as we wrote in our article, “Why Is Global IQ Declining?“, some recent studies suggest that this steady rise may be slowing or even reversing in certain regions.
For example, since 2010, some countries have reported stagnation or even a slight decrease in average IQ scores. Notably, Scandinavian countries such as Norway and Denmark, as well as the UK, have observed a small drop in scores.
Factors Influencing the Recent Shift
Several potential causes for the slowing or reversal of the Flynn Effect have been proposed:
- Changes in Education Systems: With the rise of standardized testing and a focus on rote learning, some critics argue that modern educational systems may not be fostering the kind of cognitive skills that were emphasized in the past.
- Increased Screen Time: The shift towards more time spent on screens—whether through smartphones, video games, or social media—has been linked to reduced attention spans, less face-to-face interaction, and potentially less cognitive engagement.
- Lifestyle Changes: Modern lifestyles, with less physical activity, more fast food, and less sleep, might be affecting overall brain function. These factors could be influencing IQ trends, although this theory is still being explored.
Interesting fact: The Flynn Effect was named after James R. Flynn, a researcher from New Zealand, who first documented the rise in IQ scores during the 20th century. His work fundamentally changed how we think about intelligence and its relationship to society and the environment.
Can You Raise Your IQ?
While your IQ score is influenced by genetics, environmental factors play a role too. Mental exercises, learning new skills, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can improve cognitive function. Think of your brain as a muscle. You can’t grow taller by lifting weights, but you can get stronger. Similarly, you can train your brain to process information more effectively.
One popular method for improving mental agility is the “method of loci,” a memory technique.
For example, imagine a grocery list. Instead of writing it down, visualize it as a story: apples dancing on a shelf, milk spilling into a river, bread turning into a bridge. This method not only improves memory but also enhances creativity.
Interesting fact: Studies show that bilingual individuals often score higher on IQ tests due to the cognitive benefits of switching between languages.
Most Common Traits of People with High IQ
People with high IQs often share specific traits. They’re curious, constantly seeking to learn and understand the world. They also tend to think critically and question assumptions. Many have a strong memory and an ability to focus deeply on tasks that interest them.
However, high-IQ individuals often struggle in other areas. For example, many find social interactions challenging or have difficulty connecting emotionally with others.
They’re often perfectionists, which can lead to procrastination or dissatisfaction.
Interesting fact: High IQ doesn’t guarantee success. Emotional intelligence and adaptability play a more significant role in achieving life goals.
What IQ Misses
Imagine asking someone to measure water with a ruler. They’d look at you like you’re nuts. IQ tests are a bit like that. They measure certain skills well but miss others entirely.
For example, social intelligence isn’t tested. Someone might solve complex equations yet fail to comfort a crying friend. Emotional intelligence—the ability to read feelings and act wisely—isn’t on the test. Creativity’s missing, too.
Think about Salvador Dalí’s bizarre melting clocks. Would an IQ test predict his imagination? Unlikely.
Besides that, many other things are not measured by IQ. Think of creativity, practical intelligence, empathy, cultural intelligence, motivation, and drive.
There are so many things that represent a person, and IQ is only a small portion of that.
And so, in the end, we also need to question artificial intelligence and its IQ. We’ve all heard about how AI is becoming smarter and smarter.
But just how smart is it? Can we measure AI’s intelligence in IQ points?
Let’s find out.
Interesting fact: Researchers found that IQ only predicts about 25% of success in life. The rest comes from personality, grit, and luck.
What Is the IQ of Current AI Models — LLMs?
Estimating the IQ of AI models is rather hard due to differences between machine processing and human cognition. However, recent assessments using adapted IQ tests provide some insights into their capabilities.
Claude-3
Anthropic’s Claude-3 achieved an estimated IQ of 101, surpassing the average human IQ benchmark of 100. This marks a significant improvement over its predecessors, Claude-1 and Claude-2, which had estimated IQs of 64 and 82, respectively.
ChatGPT-4
OpenAI’s ChatGPT-4 scored an estimated IQ of 85, indicating enhanced reasoning abilities compared to earlier versions. Notably, GPT-4 also performed exceptionally well on standardized tests, scoring in the 94th percentile on the SAT and the 88th percentile on the LSAT. However, these scores were based on earlier GPT models, not the latest (4.5). While we don’t have data for ChatGPT 4.5, it can be reasonably concluded that it scores well over an IQ of 100.
Gemini
Google’s Gemini model has an estimated IQ of 77.5. The advanced version, Gemini Ultra, demonstrated strong performance in various benchmarks
Grok
Developed by xAI, Elon Musk’s AI venture, Grok has an estimated IQ of 68.5. The “fun mode” variant, Grok Fun, scored slightly lower with an IQ of 64.
Llama-2
Meta’s open-source model, Llama-2, has an estimated IQ of 67.
So, based on that, it’s only a matter of time before all AI models have a higher IQ than any human in history.
And then, the fun begins.
But that’s the story for the other article. Now, we need to answer one final question?
Why IQ Still Matters
Despite its (many) flaws, IQ still matters. It helps identify learning needs, tailor educational approaches, and guide cognitive development.
However, it’s important to remember that IQ is just a tool—one that offers a view into certain aspects of intelligence but doesn’t capture the full spectrum of human potential.
Think of IQ as a flashlight. It illuminates some parts of intelligence, putting light on logical reasoning and problem-solving abilities, but it leaves many other aspects in the dark, such as creativity, emotional intelligence, and social adaptability.
IQ tests also challenge us to think critically about the nature of intelligence itself. They serve as a reminder that intelligence isn’t fixed; it evolves over time, influenced by experiences, learning, and external factors.
A low score doesn’t lock an individual into failure, nor does a high score guarantee success. It’s what you do with your mind that truly counts—the ability to adapt, learn, and apply knowledge effectively.
However, as we move further into the 21st century and experience rapid advancements in artificial intelligence and cognitive science, we may see the concept of IQ being abandoned altogether within a few decades.
AI models, with their ability to process and analyze huge amounts of information far beyond the capacity of the human brain, challenge our traditional understanding of intelligence.
The narrow focus on IQ may seem outdated when we have AI systems that can brutally assimilate knowledge, adapt to new problems, and exhibit forms of intelligence that don’t align with traditional IQ metrics.
And so, as AI becomes more integrated into all aspects of society, the need to quantify intelligence through a single number will diminish.
Instead, we may start to focus on more comprehensive models that account for emotional intelligence, creativity, collaboration, and other nuanced traits.
Just as we no longer rely solely on one test to measure physical health—given that well-being involves a wide range of factors—intelligence will likely be understood in a more holistic way.
Moreover, as AI systems evolve, they will increasingly take on roles that require high cognitive capabilities. This will shift the focus away from individual IQ scores and place more value on the abilities that AI models bring to the table.
The lines between human and machine intelligence will blur, making traditional measures of human IQ less relevant in assessing the broader scope of intellectual and creative potential.
Ultimately, it is likely that within a few decades, society will recognize that intelligence cannot be confined to a single metric.
Instead, we will begin to value all forms of intelligence, recognizing that our abilities extend far beyond what can be captured by a number.
The idea of IQ, as we know it will fade into history, replaced by more holistic models that include both human and AI possibilities, merged together in some kind of weird hybrid intelligence.
