This is a page devoted to tests known as high range IQ tests. These tests have a history of 40+ years, are of experimental nature and aim at estimating intelligence at levels higher (over 3 sigma and ideally over 4 sigma of the normal distribution) than the classic timed IQ tests and, hopefully, complementary to them. Before one tries such a test, there are a few things to be cleared out, relevant to every high range IQ test one may meet.
- Any such test itself is a mental puzzle and it has to be tried in terms of leisure time activity. It may be hard, easy, approachable, strange, attractive or whatever. There are mainly two things that can make such a puzzle a test that can provide a realistic (or even better, close to reality) result : Statistical analysis – mainly – and “simulation” of ideas that are examined at classic IQ tests. No matter how someone may define intelligence and no matter if they agree whether currently existing IQ tests measure intelligence or not, classic IQ tests have been for decades the measuring tool of – bibliographically defined – intelligence. So, philosophical controversies should strictly (at least, currently) remain out of this. By statistical analysis, the two most important things that should be examined (through various ways) are the following : 1) Validity, that is correlation with classic, standardized IQ tests (so as to know that we “shoot on the right target”), 2) Reliability, so as to know that “we hit bull’s eye”. If these two parameters are high enough (over 0,7 and ideally over 0,8), then a mental puzzle can qualify as a possible psychometric tool (However, if one wants to thoroughly and precisely examine their intelligence, then one should council a professional psychologist-psychometrician). Following texts may enlighten you : Scores of high range tests’ candidates and Some thoughts on high range tests.
- Relatively precise estimations can be provided up to 160-170 sd15. Scores over that level are extremely rare (on a normally normed test), are usually given through extrapolation (eg. Linear) and cannot be that precise. So, when you meet such scores, take them with a grain of salt.
In conclusion and according to the aforementioned, take – first of all – any high range test as some mental puzzle. Go for the challenge, struggle, have fun. If you are more interested in the outcome and not in the challenge, look at each test stats, and according to these, you may know how accurate any result may be.
We all have one common thing : Interest for the field of human intelligence and puzzle solving. So, do your your best, trouble your mind and -above all- have fun!
