MENSA and similar organizations/clubs, etc.

[hdeck]

i don't need to pay someone to tell me i'm smart.

 

[Landroval]

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: Landroval

As far as most people here claiming to have high IQs... a few things. One is that IQ is supposed to remain constant through life but if you take a test when you are young error is often introduced because of age. So lots of people test as gifted or have unusually large IQs but that does not make them high IQ in reality. It's just an artifact of the way age is factored in for very young people. So please don't assume because your school told you you were a genius that you are statistically so in the context of the larger adult population. One side effect of these gifted programs is that otherwise able-minded people are told they are low IQ and basically treated as such. Doors are shut instead of opened when they are most needed ans otherwise average kids are told they are gods.

Also, most people take those online tests where the average score is about 135. That's more than 2 standard deviations on most IQ tests (usualy 15 or 16). Even on non-tech newsgroups I see people posting they scored in the 130s and 140s most of the time. So the idea that ATOT is just filled with brainiacs is not really valid in my opinion (not to say there are not many highly intelligent people here). The only way I would trust someone's IQ score is if they take it as a young adult or later and in a testing facility using a standardized test. Then, even if they score high, I would point out it is really not all that impressive in the grand scheme of things.

edit: I typoed the word genius -- very telling

For one almost any newsgroup of intelligent conversation should reflect a higher than average IQ...those that are average don't regularly seek out anything but TV and simpler things. I am willing to bet taking a sample at a Barnes and Noble would probably show 130-135 as well. Those that take online IQ tests I have spoken with admit they did go back a couple times for better scores. I don't put much faith on anything reported in a forum that is totally objectively based and without backing. One can debate the MENSA organization, but to argue about someone that 'know 20 or them and they all brag about how smart they are' is impossible.

That is a flawed group to base things on.

IQ tests that are given professionally usually do not change at all throughout life. I can imagine if perhaps a child / elementary schooler were tested then yes...however, that is not when tests are given to be an end all/be all.

The online tests have a mean higher than 100. They should not. Ask anyone you know to take it cold and you likely won't find anyone scoring below 120. That's already more than one SD. As someone else pointed out, they want your money. As for intelligence on most newsgroups: LOL!!!!

I know (and said) IQ is supposedly constant. However, most of the people here claiming they were officially tested did it at a young age and there is a testing bias that diminishes as one ages (if one takes it very young). Just pointing that out before 50 more people come in and claim their schools told them they have IQs of 180.

 

[eLiu]

Originally posted by: alkemyst

Originally posted by: eLiu
The way I see it, the people that are REALLY smart don't need a card to tell them that it's so.

It's not a card to tell them they are smart, it's admission to a group you can work with.

Think of it this way, most of the intelligent out there deal with nonsense everyday and idiots claiming to know WTF they are talking about...at least being a part of a group of equals your know you may get the help/answers you need.

The people here that think being part of a society as this = bragging rights are missing it totally.

I guess the people who wave it around like such give the others a bad name.

But through activities in HS & university, I've run into tons of really gifted kids/adults to 'network' with...esp at university.

I see what you mean though. There are a lot of morons out there. I've been lucky enough that my HS had several bright kids along with a few amazing teachers. It's those you have to watch out for; intelligence can be found in many places. Now at university, there's a wealth of turbo-geniuses to associate with. Some people are just unbelievably smart.

Either way, membership in a 'smart club' isn't going to impress me until you open your mouth and start talking

 

[0roo0roo]

its a load of sh*t. Nobel Laureate Steven Feynman didn't qualify for mensa.

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: Landroval

The online tests have a mean higher than 100. They should not. Ask anyone you know to take it cold and you likely won't find anyone scoring below 120. That's already more than one SD. As someone else pointed out, they want your money. As for intelligence on most newsgroups: LOL!!!!

I know (and said) IQ is supposedly constant. However, most of the people here claiming they were officially tested did it at a young age and there is a testing bias that diminishes as one ages (if one takes it very young). Just pointing that out before 50 more people come in and claim their schools told them they have IQs of 180.

Well without knowing the scale any online test is using it's possible that 120 is the average.

Most newsgroups, as in those that are chartered and perhap even moderated have a general lack of neffing like a set of forums does. Those people that are active in such communities like those that are active in them in person tend to have at least higher than average IQ's...however, one may have a pretty low IQ and still be part or even lead such communities.

As for the guy talking about a nobel laureate. It's not always people with a high IQ that can do great things, and it can be he just didn't take/want to take the test, or possibly doesn't test well.

All that said IQ or not, it's what you do/have done that proves how intelligent you are.

 

[Schrodinger]

Originally posted by: 0roo0roo
its a load of sh*t. Nobel Laureate Steven Feynman didn't qualify for mensa.

Steven Feynman ? Is he related to Dick P ?

 

[Dessert Tears]

Originally posted by: eLiu
But through activities in HS & university, I've run into tons of really gifted kids/adults to 'network' with...esp at university.

I see what you mean though. There are a lot of morons out there. I've been lucky enough that my HS had several bright kids along with a few amazing teachers. It's those you have to watch out for; intelligence can be found in many places. Now at university, there's a wealth of turbo-geniuses to associate with. Some people are just unbelievably smart.

turbo-geniuses, heh. Seems like a bit of hyperbole, even for MIT.

On another note, I'm starting to see one of alkemyst's points: in the absence of other opportunities, selective societies are useful for networking.

 

[KokomoGSTmp]

Originally posted by: Gibson486
the way I see it, Mensa is alot like the smart asses in ATOT.

So should we start charging for cards for people to be official smart@sses on AT forums? Anand, write that down quick!!

 

[alkemyst]

Originally posted by: Flatscan

Originally posted by: eLiu
But through activities in HS & university, I've run into tons of really gifted kids/adults to 'network' with...esp at university.

I see what you mean though. There are a lot of morons out there. I've been lucky enough that my HS had several bright kids along with a few amazing teachers. It's those you have to watch out for; intelligence can be found in many places. Now at university, there's a wealth of turbo-geniuses to associate with. Some people are just unbelievably smart.

turbo-geniuses, heh. Seems like a bit of hyperbole, even for MIT.

On another note, I'm starting to see one of alkemyst's points: in the absence of other opportunities, selective societies are useful for networking.

Thanks for understanding. Most just want to attack.

To eLiu: without knowing your credentials...there are a lot of idiots that think college is the mecca of intelligence. I appreciate college...I don't put a lot of weight on a degree though...but I spent 9 years there and learned a lot.