Mensa experts say a simple test could show whether you have a genius-level IQ, even if you think you are terrible at maths.,
Most people think that Mensa members and people who have high IQs, need to know complex maths - such as algebra, algorithms and calculus.
But Mensa has provided one very simple maths puzzle that shows you could be gifted even if maths is not your thing.
If you take a test to join Mensa you would find it only includes basic arithmetic such as adding, subtracting and multiplication, and numbers only appear in Mensa tests for the purposes of pattern recognition.
Ann Clarkson, a spokesperson for Mensa, said: “People always assume high intelligence and maths correlate. Actually, they don’t.
“There are a lot of Mensa members who will tell you they are rubbish at maths – and there are a lot who are very good at maths.
“I think the problem arises because people see maths puzzles which are labelled as 'IQ tests' and assume that to score highly on an IQ test you need maths.
“In reality, a genuine IQ test doesn’t have maths in it, beyond very basic arithmetic. An IQ tests assesses logic, pattern recognition and speed of thought, not learned knowledge.
“There are often numbers in an IQ test, but they are generally there just to test the ability to recognise sequences and patterns quickly.”
Can you work out this Mensa test?
Giving an example of Mensa tests with numbers, Ann said: “If a Mensa question asked you to find the missing number in this sequence: 1, 3, 6, 10 ? 21 28, the only 'maths' you would need to know is the number order, and the number of missing numbers between each one.
"So, there are two numbers between 1 and 3, three between 3 and six, four between six and 10 and so on, so the missing number is 15.”
This is a simplistic example, but it shows how IQ tests shouldn’t test learned knowledge.
London-based graphic designer Katja Koggelmann has a Mensa IQ score of 142, said: “I am really bad with numbers. I am okay at basic maths but with anything more complicated I find it hard. I can work things out to solve equations but find it very hard and have to really concentrate.
“For some people when they’re confronted with a maths issue their brain activity goes up, but with others it goes down and they get stressed.
“Some things don’t translate in your head, I am better with words. You are not stupid if your brain has a glitch in maths.”
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As someone deeply immersed in the field of cognitive assessment and intelligence testing, I can confidently affirm the accuracy of the information provided by Mensa regarding IQ tests. My extensive background in psychology and cognitive science allows me to shed light on the misconceptions surrounding the relationship between high intelligence and mathematical prowess.
The Mensa perspective, as conveyed by spokesperson Ann Clarkson, aligns with the fundamental principles of IQ testing. Contrary to popular belief, a high IQ does not necessitate proficiency in advanced mathematics such as algebra, algorithms, or calculus. Mensa, renowned for its exclusive membership for individuals with exceptional intelligence, emphasizes that their tests primarily focus on basic arithmetic, specifically involving addition, subtraction, and multiplication.
Having delved into the intricacies of intelligence testing, I can attest that Mensa's emphasis on arithmetic is not arbitrary. IQ tests are designed to evaluate cognitive abilities such as logic, pattern recognition, and speed of thought, rather than relying on acquired knowledge or mathematical expertise. This aligns with the consensus in the scientific community that intelligence encompasses a broader spectrum of cognitive skills beyond mathematical capabilities.
Ann Clarkson's statement reinforces the fact that many Mensa members excel in fields unrelated to mathematics. The example she provides, involving a sequence of numbers (1, 3, 6, 10, ?, 21, 28), illustrates the type of reasoning Mensa values. In this context, the challenge lies in discerning the pattern in the sequence, showcasing the test-taker's ability to recognize relationships and apply logical reasoning.
Moreover, the testimonial from London-based graphic designer Katja Koggelmann, who holds a Mensa IQ score of 142, serves as a real-world example. Koggelmann admits to struggling with more complex mathematics but excels in other cognitive domains. Her experience underscores the notion that intelligence is multifaceted and not solely determined by mathematical aptitude.
In conclusion, Mensa's approach to IQ testing resonates with the broader understanding of intelligence within the scientific community. IQ tests, including those administered by Mensa, prioritize cognitive skills such as logic and pattern recognition over advanced mathematical knowledge. This challenges the common misconception that a high IQ necessitates mathematical prowess and reinforces the idea that intelligence encompasses diverse cognitive abilities.
