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Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences Estimated IQ's of Famous Geniuses |
Estimated IQ's of Famous Geniuses A normal IQ, or intelligence quotient, ranges from 85 to 115 according to the Stanford-Binet test. Only approximately 1% of all the people in the world have an IQ higher than 135. 1926, psychologist Dr. Catherine Morris Cox - who had been assisted by Dr. Lewis M. Terman, Dr. Florence L. Goodenaugh, and Dr. Kate Gordon - published a study "of the most eminent men and women" who had lived between 1450 and 1850 to estimate what their IQs might have been. The resultant IQs were based largely on the degree of brightness and intelligence each subject showed before attaining the age of 17. Cox also found that different fields have quite widely varying average IQs for their acknowledged leading geniuses. She gives the following figures (the number in brackets is the number in the sample considered): Philosophers (22) average IQ 173; Scientists (39) 164; Fiction writers (53) 163; Statesmen (43) 159; Musicians (11) 153; Artists (13) 150; Soldiers (27) 133. Adult IQ's of Famous Geniuses:
It is important to remember that the numbers given above are estimates. Many individuals believe that IQ cannot be used to measure intelligence because of the construction of the test and the fact that multiple intelligences may exist. These considerations have to be taken into account when looking at the IQ's of any individuals. |