What Your IQ Really Means

Recently, I took an unplanned IQ test administered by BlossomUp.Co, and there’s a lot to unpack from the meaning of IQ tests to BlossomUp.co’s questionable IQ test funnel.

Intelligent by IQ

In the 1990s, the controversial book (of pseudoscience) The Bell Curve was published, and it claimed that Black people (with an alleged average IQ of 85 at the time) had inherently lower IQs than white people (with an alleged average IQ of 100 at the time).

Wildly, the authors of the book pointed to underserved Black communities as a result of low IQ and not socioeconomic discrimination. They argued that poor living conditions were the ultimate outcome of those with low IQs. This was controversial considering Black people in America before, at that time and to this day faced various forms of socioeconomic oppression that strips too many of them of potential financial wealth.

Although IQ tests can be biased and are seen by many as meaningless, they are still used in hiring, court systems and other ways to measure intelligence. According to science, an adult IQ of 70 or below is evidence of mental retardation. 85 — 115 is average. 116 — 129 is considered above average. 130 — 139 is considered gifted range. An IQ of 140 or above signals genius.

Taking the Test

I took an impromptu IQ test on BlossomUp.co, after being led by the site into believing I was taking a free, short practice quiz. After listening to a popular science commentator named Veritasium speak about the controversy surrounding IQ tests and taking his own, I decided to take another one.

When I started the “free, short” test, fifteen minutes in, I was raising my eyebrow. I searched for and found there was no “back” button. There was also no timer, just a short dark peach line slowly consuming a very long peach line. That told me I was in for a long time, and I sighed.

It took me over thirty minutes to complete the “free” test, but I found out at the pay wall that the test was not indeed free. It also wasn’t a practice. Before starting the test, I considered that this could be a possible outcome, so I wasn’t that bothered. I know how the internet works. I could either pay the $1.95 or exit and lose the results I worked so hard and long to get. The test measured Pattern Recognition, Visual Perception, Spatial Orientation, Analytical Thinking and Abstract Reasoning. The test was free. The results were not. That is what they don’t tell you. Online, many users are complaining about this, Many others are pleased with their results and the site overall.

At any rate, I paid and got my results. The company also emailed me a certificate with my IQ on it. I guess they make those for the despised who want to be despised even more when they hang them. The results said that my IQ was 130, placing me in the “gifted” category. It noted that less than three percent of people test at or above that level. I didn’t feel one way or another about the results.

Moreover, companies that provide IQ tests online are fun and interesting, but don’t put too much faith in them. IQ tests administered by qualified professionals are the standard. Those from companies like BlossomUp.Co are not.

The Takeaway

Some scientists and professionals in mental health still believe in the accuracy of IQ tests, while some don’t. IQ tests have been used as a tool to explain away the results of discrimination by some. Others insist IQ tests don’t measure a person’s true intelligence and that they are biased. IQ doesn’t determine a person’s outcome in life. Many times, family and connections do. Check the White House.

This article was written by Jermaine Reed, MFA, the Editor-in-Chief of The Reeders Block. Join the email list to get notifications on new blog posts and books. This article is 100% human-written. And remember, if you see an error, that’s what makes us human.