Anyone here part of Mensa?

I don't have ADD. But I didn't even have the attention span to read and try to understand the first question.

How smart you are doesn't generally mean how successful you will be. I mean look at Bill Gates, he's a billionaire that dropped out of... Harvard.

 

I got 26 but I still think the test is flawed. The mathematical questions presuppose a certain level of knowledge (formula for the area of a triangle, square roots etc) which for someone like me who hasn't looked at a math problem in who knows how long, is not intuitive. Also, there is a predominance of pattern based logic, whereas other areas of intelligence are underrepresented. Someone who is logical, analytical and spatial, with a background in math will do much better than someone who is intuitive, creative and a 'big picture' thinker with a background in the humanities won't do as well although they may be just as intelligent.

Since we're on the topic, my theory is that functional intelligence (as measured by academic achievement) is almost completely a function of memory; think about it, when writing a test, or an essay, who will do better; someone with high level thinking skills and deep insight into the material, or someone who has memorized all of the definitions and examples in the text and is able to integrate them into their answers? Unfortunately, in our school system, the latter. The same goes for what types of people society sees as intelligent; if they can recite complex theories or quote famous scholars they're viewed as intelligent, but in reality all they're doing is applying their above-average memory in the right situation. In my opinion (biased because I have a terrible memory), someone who can look at a situation, synthesize/ analyze it and provide an insightful solution is truly intelligent. Thats why these mensa type tests are somewhat valid in my opinion, but the SAT's and most other standards of academic achievement really aren't. Anyone agree?

 

That's actually an example of "very smart = very successful". He's supposed to be very smart even though he didn't finish his degree. What supposedly happened is that he recognized that the computer SW "gold rush" wouldn't wait for him to graduate and he felt he could be more successful jumping in than waiting to get a degree. Of course, it doesn't hurt for your parents to be very wealthy as a backstop to any failure.

 

So where's the Ferrari Mensa test ?

 

Look at the link I posted earlier in the thread. That is a test where one can analyze a lot and still be stumped on some of the questions. That sort of test seperates the men from the boys. Little outside knowledge is needed.

 

it took me 1 minute and i got 6 right. next time i'll spend 5 minutes and ace it! i'm as good as in.

 

I'd say its about 3 hours and 4 drinks too late for that tonight.

 

I was more consistent...low SAT math, number patterns make no sense, high SAT verbal, word questions no prob. My high school algebra teacher would turn over in her grave if she knew I had made it through architectural school and passed the all of the state boards the first time...I had to be one of the worst students she ever had...she just passed me on through because she thought I was a nice kid or something...basic social promotion.

 

perfect example: the move Good Will Hunting... the difference between the Michael Bolton dude and the Matt Damon dude. you can't fake it for long. nuff said.

definitely. honestly, apart from... well, dudes i don't know, who create new formulas for the way reality werks, i personally think comedians are quite high on the intelligence scale. no, not those guys who do goofy stuff and rebirth old jokes. the guys who hear one concept and a synapse fires and they connect it to another concept... and make it FUNNY, those guys are legends.

i was a huge fan of Sean Hughes in the 90's, haven't heard of him in years, wonder what he's up to...

 

My experience is the smartest people often are severely misfit for social lives; they tend to do well in sheltered environments such as university faculty positions where interpersonal interaction does not determine their success.

 

I don't think I've ever taken an IQ test. I asked my mom and she said she didn't think so, either. I've taken the online IQ tests in the past and ended up with anything from a 130 to a 150. I tried one while hungover once and got a 90, so whatever. I could, in reality, be extremely stupid...I just don't wanna know.



RMX

 

They tend to hang out on chat sites, wear lemons on their heads, and use feline alter-egos, too.

DM

 

thought about it but couldn't figure out the application....

 

coming from a guy who could deafen a room by holding up a finger... now THAT's interaction...

 

It's a POMELO!!!!!!!!
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I've been a member of Mensa for several years. Only once have I attended a local chapter meeting, and that will probably be the last time. I live in Asheville, NC and our local group is the French Broad Mensa. If you're not familiar with the area, Asheville is a very liberal town. I'm a hard-core conservative. Needless to say, I spent the first meeting arguing with a bunch of enlightened individuals that the current graduated income tax schedule is completely unfair. One "genius" who happens to be a piano tuner, went on and on about how the wealthy ought to pay a much larger percentage of their income in taxes than he should, because his lifestyle was much more frugal. Whatever. Remember, high intelligence and the application of that intelligence in life to do great things don't always coincide. Though I think it is kinda cool being a member, from comments made in every newsletter to my experience with the one meeting here in Asheville, it's clear that many of the members' only interest in membership is to justify some misplaced elitist attitude. Bragging about being in the top 2% is a great pastime for some, but for me, the proof is in the pudding. Overall, I think Mensa is a decent organization and worth your interest. I do find many of the articles in the Mensa Bulletin to be thought provoking and sometimes challenging. Puzzles and games seem to be a common interest. If you like that sort of thing, qualify and join up.

 

...my brain hurts...

 

I hear ya...and I'm laughing...that was a long-winded dissertation!!!!

 

Master of the under-statement there.

 

After a pretty bad car accident I spent some time working with cognitive psychologists who administered all sorts of tests...it was basically a ploy by my lawyer to "prove" that I had diminished capacity after an idiot ran into me.

After 16 hours of IQ testing, the results showed that I was in the top 2% of the test takers...it was the wechsler scale or something like that. The score was 132. It basically shot to hell any argument that I should get extra $$$ for diminished capacity. One of the shrinks handed me a Mensa brochure, I had to give it back. A score and $2 will get you a cup of coffee.

 

you're spending time on this board, that proves diminshed capacity.

 

Not a venti, ask Pete.

 

...is that a lemon or lime on your head?

 

I think it is an orange

 

uh........nice avatar dude....