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Frequently Asked Questions
In this section I will try to clarify some popular myths regarding the concept of intelligence and to answer some questions that often arise about this and about Mensa activity in general.
Q: What is human intelligence? Can it really be measured ?
A: It is very difficult to define human intelligence, and so much harder to measure it. Many psychologists would even dispute the fact that it can be actually measured. The foundation of psychometrics as a science were put by the Swiss psychologist Alfred Binet . Originally he compiled for the government an IQ test for the purpose of identifying retarded children, so that they could receive extra help from their teachers in school. Binet’s purpose was never to identify those with an above-average intelligence, in fact he himself opposed such a use of his test, arguing that it would create an unfair discrimination between pupils. Binet also defined an intelligence scale, which, although revised, is still used today.
Q: Is there such a thing as an accurate unit of measure for intelligence ?
A: It soon become obvious that there were some problems in using Binet’s scale. Other psychologists defined similar IQ scales (Ex: Wechesler), which tried to correct these problems. The most reliable unit of measure is the percentile, which shows for a certain test, what percentage of the general population would score lower on that particular type of test. The Mensa membership qualification criteria is a score in the 98th percentile (which means Mensa members have an IQ above 98% of the general population).
Q: Does the IQ (the score in a standardized intelligence test) have any relevance in real life ?
A: This is certainly a good question, that has been asked by many psychologists. A study done in the United States concludes, for a group of children identified as having an IQ at “genius” level 50 years ago, that on average they had academic and professional achievements considerably above the average of the general population. They were also better off financially and even regarding their state of health. But these results are far from being conclusive on a general case, because there were many exceptions (for example the second most intelligent man in the United States had jobs like circus actor, barman etc.). The explanations are obvious: IQ is just a relative indicator of intellectual potential; it does not tell us anything about ambition, perseverance and ability to work – qualities which are essential in order to be successful in life.
Q: What kind of tests are used for admission into Mensa ?
A: There is a wide range of tests that may be used, from GRE and SAT results (tests which are not “true” IQ tests), to various other standardized tests (tests that have been administered to a large number of people and, after careful statistical evaluation, they have been deemed capable to show an IQ level in the top 2%). Many such tests contain however a verbal part, which may be a disadvantage for those who are not native speakers of English. Therefore the tests administered by Mensa International (and which will also be used by Mensa Romania in the future) do not contain a verbal part, they are strictly abstract and composed only of graphic symbols. They belong to the type of so-called “Culture fair” tests, meaning tests which are independent of the language, culture and level of education of the subject taking the test.
Q: Why would I want to join Mensa ?
A: Mensa is a society that works on a voluntary basis and its main goal is to satisfy the needs of its members. These often have a wide variety of interests and opinions – which Mensa tries to satisfy. In each national chapter there are the so called SIGs (Special Interest Groups), which aim at putting in touch members with similar interests. Any members is free to join such a group, or if he doesn’t find one on a subject that interests him – to found a new one. Mensa members in Romania that have such an initiative please contact me. Mensa groups edit magazines regularly in which each member is free to express his own opinions, to propose new logical puzzles etc. There is a serious side of Mensa that deals with research into human intelligence, but a lot of emphasis is also placed on the social side. This includes organizing parties, informal gatherings and trips in order to encourage members to get in touch with one another; there is also a service called SIGHT (Service, Assistance an Hospitality to Travelers) , which may be used by any Mensa member traveling abroad in any of the 100 countries where Mensa chapters exist.
Q: I would like to be tested by Mensa Romania now. Is this possible ?
A: No, sorry, but for the time being Mensa Romania does not administer and correct IQ tests - but this should change in the near future. For those interested, please write me for more details.
