Dynamics of Intelligence Chapter 10, Lecture 4 “Educating children as if all were alike is as naïve as assuming that giftedness is something, like blue eyes, that you either have or do not have.” - David Myers

Extremes of Intelligence A valid intelligence test divides two groups of people into two extremes: the mentally retarded (IQ 70) and individuals with high intelligence (IQ 130). These two groups are significantly different.

Mental Retardation Mentally retarded individuals required constant supervision a few decades ago, but with a supportive family environment and special education they can now care for themselves.

Mental Retardation p.425

High Intelligence Contrary to popular belief, people with high intelligence test scores tend to be healthy, well adjusted, and unusually successful academically.

A Question for Your Notes: Are intelligent people happier? Why or why not? Recently, Alan Gow and his research team studied 416 senior citizens. The University of Edinburg researchers examined a group of 416 people born in 1921 who took intelligence tests at the ages of 11 and 79. At the age of 80, the group also completed a life satisfaction scale assessing their current level of happiness.

A Question for Your Notes: Are intelligent people happier? Why or why not? The findings showed no association between levels of mental ability and reported happiness. Neither childhood IQ, IQ at 79, or any change in IQ over a lifetime was related to how satisfied respondents were with how their lives turned out. Gow suggested that the results are surprising because intelligence is highly valued in society. He speculated that, despite having a much valued quality, intelligent people may worry more about achievement and possibly compare themselves to others and the wiser choices that might have been made.

A Question for Your Notes: Are intelligent people happier? Why or why not? The researchers plan to continue studying these senior citizens to examine possible relationships between changes in cognitive function and happiness in advancing old age. Gow, A.J., Whiteman, M.C., Pattie, A., Whalley, L., Starr, J., & Deary, I.J. (2005). Lifetime intellectual function and satisfaction with life in old age: Longitudinal cohort study. British Medical Journal, 331, Reference:

Homework Read p “Joining Mensa means that you are a genius…I worried about the arbitrary 132 cutoff point, until I met someone with an IQ of 131 and, honestly, he was a bit slow on the uptake.” - Steve Martin