Did you know that intelligence quotient (IQ) scores aren’t uniform across all professions? Scientific literature suggests a fascinating variance in average IQ depending on your chosen career path. While this information can be insightful for many, it might ruffle the feathers of those overly sensitive to statistical data in our current social climate.
Understanding IQ: A Quick Overview
First, let’s define what IQ actually measures. IQ, or Intelligence Quotient, is derived from standardized tests designed to quantify human intelligence through numerical scoring. The concept of IQ testing emerged in the early 20th century, credited to either Wilhelm Stern or Lewis Terman, depending on the source you consult.
The average IQ score in a population is set at 100, with a standard deviation of 15. Statistically, this means about 68% of people score between 85 and 115. Furthermore, roughly 2.5% of the population scores above 130, and another 2.5% scores below 70.
It’s crucial to understand that while IQ tests are reliable in their consistency—meaning you’re likely to get similar scores if you retake the test—their validity is primarily limited to assessing the types of intelligence relevant to academic success. They don’t comprehensively measure other vital forms of intelligence, such as creativity or social acumen.
The Simon-Binet IQ Scale provides a classification for different score ranges:
- Over 140 – Genius or near genius
- 120 – 140 – Very superior intelligence
- 110 – 119 – Superior intelligence
- 90 – 109 – Average or normal intelligence
- 80 – 89 – Dullness
- 70 – 79 – Borderline deficiency in intelligence
- Under 70 – Feeble-mindedness
The Intellect of a Doctor: Average IQ in the Medical Field
So, where do doctors fit into this spectrum of intelligence? When considering professions with the highest average IQ, physicians and surgeons consistently rank at the top. Studies, including Robert Hauser’s “Meritocracy, Cognitive Ability, and the Sources of Occupational Success,” place the average IQ of doctors in the low 130s. This positions them among the intellectual elite, alongside professions like professors and researchers, who also score very highly.
It’s interesting to note that while the IQ range for physicians and surgeons is quite concentrated, the range for professors and researchers tends to be broader, suggesting a more diverse distribution of intelligence within academia. Following closely behind in terms of average IQ are lawyers in the high 120s, and accountants in the low 120s. Pharmacists typically average around 120, and nurses score in the high 110s, according to various studies analyzing cognitive abilities across different occupations. For a more detailed list of professions and their average IQ scores, resources like the study compiled by Gwern.net offer extensive data.
What Does a High Doctor IQ Mean?
The high average IQ observed among doctors and surgeons indicates a tendency for individuals with greater cognitive abilities to be drawn towards intellectually demanding fields like medicine. The complex problem-solving, critical thinking, and extensive knowledge base required in the medical profession naturally attract those with higher intellectual capacities.
However, it’s important to emphasize that this data doesn’t imply that other professions are less intellectually stimulating or less valuable. Rather, it suggests a correlation between certain cognitive skills measured by IQ tests and the demands of specific careers. Furthermore, IQ is not the sole determinant of success or competence in any profession, including medicine. Qualities such as empathy, dedication, practical skills, and emotional intelligence are equally, if not more, crucial for effective medical practice.
IQ, Wealth, and Happiness: Beyond the Doctor’s Office
Beyond professional intelligence, how does IQ relate to other aspects of life like wealth and happiness? Research provides some intriguing insights that move beyond the average iq of doctor.
Regarding financial success, a study by Jay Zagorsky from Ohio State University, analyzing 7,500 adults aged 33 to 41, initially confirmed a link between higher IQ and higher income. Specifically, each point increase in IQ was associated with an estimated $200-$600 increase in annual income. For instance, someone with an IQ of 130 could expect to earn approximately $12,000 more per year than someone with an average IQ of 100. This study also indicated that individuals with higher IQ scores tended to accumulate greater wealth, reflected in a higher average net worth.
However, when Zagorsky employed multivariate regression models, controlling for factors like divorce, education level, occupation type, and inheritance, the direct correlation between IQ and net worth diminished significantly. This suggests that while IQ may contribute to earning potential, it’s not a primary driver of wealth accumulation when considering other socio-economic variables.
Other studies corroborate the correlation between IQ and income, indicating that individuals with higher IQs often earn more. However, these studies also find a weaker correlation between IQ and overall wealth, suggesting that factors beyond intelligence play a more dominant role in building substantial net worth. The immense wealth of individuals like Jeff Bezos, Warren Buffett, and Elon Musk might intuitively suggest a strong link between IQ and wealth. However, broad statistical datasets may not fully capture the impact of outliers or the multifaceted nature of wealth creation.
When it comes to happiness, research suggests an even more nuanced relationship with IQ. A 2012 review by Veenhoven and Choi concluded that at an individual level (micro-level), there is no significant correlation between IQ and happiness. However, at a national level (macro-level), a strong positive correlation emerges between the average IQ of a nation and its overall happiness levels. The researchers interpreted this to mean that “smartness of all pays more than being smarter than others.”
One might assume that higher intelligence should naturally lead to greater happiness, given that IQ is linked to success in work, health, and even longevity. However, these advantages might be counterbalanced by factors such as heightened expectations. As Veenhoven and Choi propose, individuals with higher IQs may expect more from life and thus end up with similar levels of happiness as those with lower IQs who have more modest expectations. They also suggest that the development of academic intelligence might involve trade-offs, such as less time spent on social activities or physical pursuits, which are also crucial for overall life satisfaction.
The correlation between national IQ and happiness could be explained by shared underlying factors, such as better nutrition and healthcare systems in nations with higher average IQs, which contribute to both cognitive development and overall well-being.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the average IQ of doctors and surgeons is notably high, placing them among the most intellectually capable professions, it’s essential to view IQ within a broader context. While intelligence, as measured by IQ tests, is undoubtedly valuable and contributes to professional success, it is not the sole determinant of either financial wealth or personal happiness. Curiosity, continuous learning, and a well-rounded approach to life, encompassing social and emotional well-being, are equally important factors in achieving a fulfilling and successful life, regardless of one’s profession or IQ score.
