IQ Levels

The better they did on the IQ test, the worse they did on the practical test and the better they did on the practical tests, the worse they did on the IQ test.
- Robert Sternberg

We've all heard the term IQ, and are basically aware that it is a test of a person's intelligence. What kind of intelligence this refers to has perhaps not been specified. An IQ test serves only as a measure of a person's academic intelligence, and his/her ability to read and comprehend information. How a person does in life and deals with certain situations, or a person's emotional intelligence is not measured by IQ. What an IQ test also doesn't tell you is that a person's IQ is not the only measure that will determine his/her success in life. A person's genes, environment, his diet, lifestyle, culture, race and gender (with no bias towards any) also affects a person's IQ. Thus, if you receive a low or a high IQ score, you cannot solely consider it as your ticket to failure or success. Here, we first understand the classification of IQ levels, a little about very high and very low IQ levels, and further discuss the implications of low IQ levels.

Note: All IQ tests must be administered and interpreted by trained professionals in order to avoid misinterpretation of IQ scores.

IQ Levels Chart

Range	Classification
130 and above	Very Superior
120-129	Superior
110-119	Above Average
90-109	Average
80-89	Below Average
70-79	Borderline Mental Deficiency
69 and Below	Possible Mental Deficiency

Given here is the classification of IQ levels according to the scores achieved after taking a standardized and legitimate IQ test. There are ranges of intellectual superiority as well as profound mental retardation that are defined based on IQ scores, and these go beyond the final levels mentioned here. Provided alongside is the classification of IQ levels based on the Weschler Intelligence Scale, and the ranges are applicable only for those who have taken tests on this scale.

This scale is representative of the age group 16-74. 50% of the population has an average IQ score, while about 17% have either above average or below average scores. A small 2.2% is intellectually gifted, while another 2.2% of the population has an IQ score below 70.

A common concern is that the IQ levels for children vary from those of adults. While the scale for children is different, it is also important to keep in mind that a child's IQ levels may change with age, due to exposure to different situations, diet and lifestyle habits.

High IQ Levels

Some individuals are known to be 'gifted' as they attain superior scores on IQ tests. There are specific ranges of giftedness too, and these ranges have been represented in the table below.

Range	Classification
115-129	Mildly Gifted
130-144	Moderately Gifted
145-150	Highly Gifted
160-179	Exceptionally Gifted
180 and above	Profoundly Gifted

High IQ levels are also affected by several factors. The ability to perform extremely well in an IQ test is attributed to the theory of 'nature and nurture'. This means that though a high IQ may be hereditary, it is also likely that a person may score well on such a test due to his surrounding environment, his education, his lifestyle, his diet, and several other factors. As mentioned earlier, IQ levels are measures of academic intelligence rather than general intelligence. As such, all these factors do play an important role in determining one's IQ levels. It is also believed that one's culture, race and gender (with no bias towards any) also affects IQ levels. Studies show that the definition of a 'normal' IQ score will keep increasing with every generation due to the ease with which information is available, and the general changes in lifestyle that people are following. This emerging trend has been termed as the Flynn Effect.

Always keep in mind that a high IQ score is not the ultimate representative of intelligence. One's personality, emotional intelligence and one's overall ability to deal with myriad situations in practical ways are equal determinants of a person's intelligence. Such a person may be considered gifted over someone who may just be intellectually gifted and my lag in these areas.

Low IQ Levels

Much has already been said about the highest IQ score. Let us delve a little into the lower side of the spectrum, and how low IQ scores are associated with two conditions, autism and mental deficiency. Many a time, autism and mental deficiency are confused with each other. These are two completely separate conditions, and simply by measuring the IQ levels of those who are affected by it, these conditions cannot be diagnosed.

Range	Classification
70-79	Borderline Mental Deficiency
50-69	Mild Mental Deficiency
35-49	Moderate Mental Deficiency
20-34	Severe Mental Deficiency
Below 20	Profound Mental Deficiency

The IQ levels for mental deficiency usually are below 70, as has been seen from the table above. This is one measure that can help diagnose it because a standard achievement of such scores has been seen by those who suffer from mental deficiency. In fact, just like there are levels of giftedness based on IQ scores, there are also levels of mental deficiency based on IQ scores.

85% of the population that takes IQ tests suffers from mild mental deficiency, while about only 1% may suffer from profound mental deficiency.

Contrary to IQ levels for those who are victims of mental deficiency, IQ levels of those suffering from autism vary from person to person, depending on the severity of the condition. Even if autistic individuals have low IQ levels, they have several other strengths and abilities that help them stand out. For instance, some autistic children and adults may have a low intelligence quotient, but may show strong artistic or musical skills. There may be some autistic persons who may have average IQ levels, above 70. However, those who have severe autism, which makes for almost 70% of cases of autism, will give a score of below seventy.

As mentioned earlier, solely IQ levels cannot be considered as methods of diagnosis of these two conditions. We have already seen the variations in these levels of intelligence quotient that separate the two conditions. However, mental deficiency and autism have a common symptom. They are also marked by a disability to perform daily functions on their own. You may come across cases where these conditions may appear similar, but there is a distinct difference between the two. Providing therapy to those who are autistic can help in increasing their IQ levels over time, to a slightly normal IQ score, and can enable them to lead a less dependent life.

Many believe that high or low IQ levels are in the genes. This is not completely true. The effect of genes is not the only factor that determines IQ levels. As has been mentioned before, a lot of the environment and other factors play an important role in determining these levels. Studies now show that every generation is going to have a higher IQ level than its previous generation. This means the interpretation of IQ scores will also be modified over time, and the definition of intelligence will transcend further barriers, to include several other factors.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only and does not, in any way, intend to replace the advice of an expert on the subject.