Facts about IQ tests

IQ tests are standardized tests that are designed to measure your intelligence. The test itself is a series of questions designed to evaluate your knowledge in a broad range of fields. Many doctors use this test to determine if children are suffering from learning disabilities.

Intelligence Quotients (IQ) Tests are simply a way of determining how well you can solve problems and process information. They measure your aptitude and determine, based on a scoring system of number of correct answers, your IQ score. On average the score is between 95-100 points. Above average is over 120 points and the genius level is anything over 155.

IQ tests do not take into account creativity aptitude, English as a second language translation problems nor does it make accommodations for cultural diversification. Many opponents to the IQ test state that these above stated issues are the main reason to have IQ testing removed from school. Opponents state that poorer communities or ones with high migrant populations score considerably lower on the test because they are not designed to take their lifestyle in to account.

Groups that encourage the usage of IQ tests state that standardized testing enables doctors and educators to see if there are learning disabilities and how to best to treat them within these communities.

Mensa is a society that was formed in 1946 as a way for people with higher IQ's to join together in a community. The Mensa Society believes that intelligence shows no barriers and members range in age and background. To qualify for a Mensa membership your IQ must be ranked in the top two percent of the population. You can either take the standard Mensa test or submit the results of an approved IQ test with your application.

Mensa is the Latin word for "round". This signifies that the group is a "round table" discussion forum where age, creed, religion or political preference do not matter. This leaves the discussions to be unbiased and fair among the group members.

Mensa membership, while exclusive, is open to anyone who meets the criteria set forth by the group. It is a social organization that many use as a gathering place to expand their ideas. The group's goal is to encourage human intelligence for the benefit of society. They believe in promoting intellectual and social opportunities for the members. There are over 100,000 members throughout the world with Mensa organizations located on every continent except Antarctica.