Why am i 'afraid' to test my IQ?

I think it’s because you, like many people think that your IQ score will somehow change your life for the worse. It won’t if you don’t let it.

Maybe you have become convinced that it is a meaningful metric. In my opinion, and in the opinion of many learned psychologists, an IQ test measures your ability to successfully take an IQ test. My question for you is, why do you care at all?

Is it because you are dumb? That’s a great reason for fearing an IQ test.

IQ is a measure of spatial thinking and language, but there are other kinds of intelligence.

The most important kind is fluid intelligence, which is your ability to think on the fly, use what you know in a current situation, etc. A recent NYT article discussed a study that found a certain type of game, called a Dual N-Back game, can increase your fluid intelligence (previously thought unchangeable). So basically, play the game and you actually get smarter.

You can download a Dual N-Back game called Brain Workshop. Playing the game for as short a period as 19 days can show a measurable increase in intelligence of something like 40%.

Give it a shot. What do you have to lose?

Probably you think that it will change your life for the worse if you find out you aren’t the “genius” your parents always said you were.

Knowing your IQ number really has little use unless you want to join Mensa, or need institutional support for being mentally retarded.

The fact that you can use a computer, find a site like Fluther, and even pose an acceptable question on it means that your IQ is just fine.

Wow, you people respond in minutes!
Thanks for that.

to pdworkin: I wouldn’t want to say i care that much, it just comes to my mind every now and then, when the subject of these tests comes up in conversation.

to drdoombot: i’ll give that Dual-N-Back game a read.

It is because, like most humans, you are afraid of failure, afraid to not meet the expectations of your peers and yourself.
In short, you are afraid of being labelled as dumb.

We all create a picture of who we believe that we are. Maybe in your mind you are worried that you will not will not live up to your own standards. Maybe you shouldn’t worry about a number or a test or a perception of intelligence. If you are happy with how brilliant you are, then all is good.

I was scared at first, and its not something to brag about, even if it is good :D When I took my test, I was accepted to the gifted and talented program at my school! Good things can happen, and it will open more doors to who you are. As long as it is 3 digits, you are a average human being and that counts for something XD

pssst… 157 if anyone cares :P

Show off!

@beatthelastboss
pssst… you forgot the ‘minus’-sign

sure am :D

@ragingloli XD Nice one, I have to give you props for that!!

to beatthelastboss: 3 what? ;-)

to all responders: i thank you.

@beatthelastboss that’s nothing, I’m 165!

Mine is… just kidding but it’s good.

Because you might perceive this one test like a verdict with serious consequences. My advice: don’t!

First of all, you might have a bad day, be nervous and the test results don’t show your real IQ. Several tests might be more accurate. Second, IQ is only one factor for becoming successful life. EQ is equally important as well as other factors like discipline, perseverance, exercise, good diet, good sleep and psychological hygiene.

Don’t overestimate the results of one IQ test!

@drdoombot That’s not perfectly correct. Most IQ (Intelligence Quotient) tests measure more than language and spatial ability.

@rebbel You should not worry at all about IQ tests. There is far too much importance placed on them. The truth is, IQ results have very little to do with “intelligence” and are actually a measurement of academic potential.

IQ tests just give you a number to boast about. Remember, 50% of Americans are below average in IQ.

my IQ number is 12. No wait, that’s my shoe size. I think my IQ number is 32. No wait, that’s my waist size. Oh yeah, it’s 36. Nope, wrong again, that’s the length of my inseam. Oh well, the exact number of my IQ probably isn’t as important as my clothing sizes, because not knowing my IQ number won’t make as big a difference as not knowing what size clothes I wear.

@evelyns_pet_zebra – Great answer ;-)

maybe it’s all those damn ads that pop up on websites where it’s like “is your iq higher than paris hilton’s?!” “is your iq higher than john mccain?!” “is your iq higher than that sparkly vampire from twilight?!”. they kind of put me on edge too.

but seriously, maybe because you’re worried about judgments? iq tests don’t really say that much about the tester in a lot of cases, so don’t worry about not ‘scoring good enough’.
and some people are just nervous test takers. tests always make me anxious.

By taking an IQ test you are relinquishing control of your privacy without an assurance of reward . What is in it for you? The only people who measure you by an artificial number are not likely capable of adding value to your life…also it is seldom used in a positive way as it was originally designed to exclude the lower classes from equal education. People who have a single learning deficit could be gifted in most aspects and tank on one section to end up with a lower score. Even here people are using artificially inflated numbers. Most US presidents had respectable but not overly high IQs yet they got through the best law schools in the country and had the people skills to get elected and made the money to finance running for office so IQ is not everything

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Redacted by me.