Neuromyth # 5

The aim of this mini-series (5 parts) is to explore the popular neuromyths and bust them with some science, some sense, and some anecdotes.

So far we talked about myths around left/right brain,  how little we use our brain, how we can't learn as adults and learning styles. Today is the last part of the series and we will explore a popular myth around IQ tests.

Have your ever exclaimed I have no talent for this 😞 I am not cut out for that 😏 I don't have that gene 😩 and he/she is a nerd with high IQ 🤯 . There are published reports that shows that Sharon Stone reputedly has an IQ of 154, Bill Gates hits 160 and, at 190, Gary Kasparov tops both of them comfortably 🤷‍♀️

An intelligence quotient (IQ) is a total score derived from a set of standardised tests or subtests designed to assess human intelligence.

Myth: Intelligence is fixed

The real question to ask is, is it really true that intelligence is fixed?

The IQ scale, properly speaking, does not permit the measure of the intelligence, because intellectual qualities are not superposable, and therefore cannot be measured as linear surfaces are measured. - Alfred Binet

Intelligence of an individual is not a fixed quantity and it is proven in many ways. Neuroscience brings in the phenomenon of neuroplasticity, which, means that the brain can always learn and change itself through experience.

Carol Dweck says a person with Growth Mindset (a belief that they can improve with effort and that their intelligence is not fixed), will likely achieve more than those who have a more Fixed Mindset (a belief that their intelligence is limited).

Personally, IQ tests is one of the scariest tests I have ever taken in my life. It is not the test that is scary, it is not even the score but the label at the end of the test scared me the most. What if i am not so intelligent 😳

A "weak" student today could become a "strong" student tomorrow. If  intelligence can be improved, then we must deeply look into LABELS.

It all depends upon having the right environment, guidance, inspiration, mentorship, feedback, reflection, practice and more. The good news is more Growth Mindset can be developed.

The myth that IQ tests tells you how intelligent you are is debunked by several studies lately.

🥂 to growing intelligence !