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I have no idea how this would affect schools choosing the appropriate method in which to teach children, i don't even see why the parents would be given the results of said tests.

Maybe someone already said this, but I would think that if you're not smart enough to figure out how to get into MENSA, you probably don't belong in MENSA. Life is part of the test.

Not that I really care either way about MENSA or know anything about it... that's just how I would run it if it were my fancy smart-club thing.

I don't think anyone is saying THAT. I am simply saying that they aren't normalized, controled, or complete enough for some sort of meaningful grouping or competition.

Anyway, I agree with you.

What you said is wrong on SO many levels. *I*, for one, WANTED to learn, asked questions, etc.... And the IQ does NOT measure ABSOLUTE intelligence! It measures RELATIVE intelligence! Want proof? OK, let's try *****BASIC***** logic!


1. GIVEN! The average 40 yo is supposed to have a 100 IQ, RIGHT!?!?!?!?

RIGHT!

2. GIVEN! The average 5 yo is supposed to have a 100 IQ, RIGHT!?!?!?!?

RIGHT!

3. So the average 5yo is as smart as a 40 yo?

WRONG!! !! !!

HOW can that be? IQ=MA/CA*100!

A 5yo is 5/5*100=100
A 40yo is 40/40*100=100

SO a 2.5yo with a 130 IQ is

2.5*130/100=3.25!

NOW, what can the average 3yo do? THAT is about equivalent to a 2.5yo with a 130 IQ!

BTW I DOUBT the average 3yo is even capable MENTALLY to be a parent!

There are different IQ tests for different age groups. These tests are normed so that the average within each age group is 100.

In any case, yes, the average 3 year old or 5 year old or is as intelligent as the average 40 year old. They just have less life experience to draw conclusions from and their brains are still in the process of developing. It sounds like you are using "intelligent" as interchangeable with "wise" (able to integrate extensive life experience to form new conclusions).

I have to agree with SteveeVader on this one. IQ tests really only measure a handful of cognitive skills and the IQ test that could be given to a toddler would be iffy at best with measuring those. This makes the IQ number meaningless (or more meaningless than it is for an adult). But it doesn't negate that the toddler is likely as smart or possibly smarter than their own parents if they can ace a toddler IQ test. The number generated by the test may or may not change as they get older. But one thing the test can do is say "gee that kid is pretty smart to be able to do those things". I think it should be left at "pretty msart" with no attempt to tack on a number. I also agree with SteveeVader that this Mensa toddler is in danger of becoming "a tool and a puppet" of their parents (and possibly of Mensa itself, since they put it in the news). A less-smart toddler wouldn't be able to spit back info they were fed by their parents with such accuracy. But now that this toddler has been defined by his IQ score and Mensa admission, he's in danger of becoming some sort of showpiece for the parents and for Mensa and will likely be under intense pressure to continue to "perform" to expectations or risk being seen as a horrible dissapointment. And no kid wants to be a disappointment. So he'll keep dancing when they pull his puppet strings until he cracks as a teen.

I also agree with Michjo that IQ tests have worth as a way to pinpoint learning style for schoolchildren so they can be taught the best way. That's why Binet invented one in the first place. That's all he was trying to do and that's all it should be used for.

Last edited by Janissy on 01 Jul 2009, 7:11 am, edited 1 time in total.

deleted double post

+1

It's just like "WHO'S WHO" directories. They approach you and you PAY to be in those books. Being published in that book means nothing more than having an ad in the yellow page directory.

Never mind. I had thought there might be some discussion here; I see that in fact this thread is intended for "me-too"-style mutual "support", stating opinions as if they were demonstrated fact and entertaining no possible contrary ideas.

You may return to your insular self-congratulation now...

You're welome to post a counterarguement is just this rabble have machine gungs hehe

My husband was a member - received a really high score. He only did it for connections. He ended up dropping out because he felt that it is a club that people join to feel more superior over others. I don't know, though. It would be interesting to see what they do in their gatherings. I have always been curious if a "non genius" person married to one can go to the events, too. I have yet to see evidence that they do. That would leave me out LOL

Well, I knew a person that used to be a member, and she ALSO said they were pretentious, etc.... I had a "teacher" once that wanted us to believe she was in mensa, and she DID get the publication, and she was an arrogant IDIOT! A lot of people here related similar things.

I just read the fist page, but I believe Mensa accepts the Raven Progressive Matrices test which is supposed to be more accommodating for those of us on the the spectrum. I got in on their regular tests, but some other Aspie-Ms said that was how they qualified. I recently rejoined because they established a Career Link for Mensans. I don't travel to any of their events (can't afford to), but I go onto the Aspergers-Mensa Yahoo Group. I don't think you have to be a member of Mensa to get approved.

"I would never join a club that would have someone like me as a member." - Groucho Marx

Would you guys be just as offended by a club that was only available to the lowest 2% of the population? Or a chess club for the best 2% of the playing population? For those of you who like tennis, do you dislike wimbledon because only the best tennis players are present? Do you disagree with university degree's because you are tested in order to get them? I don't see what's so bad about mensa. So a bunch of people with high IQ's what to talk to similar people... It's hardly a crime.

I qualify to be in mensa, I don't see any point to joining them though. I mean, what is the point in being in a group of elite thinkers who often don't offer a large variety of life experiences to share and learn from? Being a philosopher at heart, I could learn more from being around more everyday people than surrounding myself with people who think they are elite because of high IQ.

I think MENSA is a load of crap to be honest, an elitist club for people who think that intelligence can be quantified with a number. I have an IQ of 143, and am by no means a genius of any type. Having groups like MENSA insinuating that IQ is the measure of genius by their very existence is wrong IMO.

I don't see anything wrong with it, its just not a group I wish to be a part of, despite that I am more than qualified to join them. I have no interest. I can enjoy the company of anyone, why limit myself to just a small group of people? Also, I don't want people knowing I am intelligent because I have a membership card. I would rather they know I am intelligent because they can read it off me, or that they not know at all.