Abstract
This review paper attempts to critically discuss the relationship between high IQ scores and positive life outcomes with reference to research findings. Particularly, three major questions are examined in detail, i.e. 1) How significant is the correlation between IQ scores and socioeconomic success? 2) Does the predictive power of IQ scores outperform other variables such as parental socioeconomic status or school grades? 3) Are there any age-related or historical changes in the relationship between IQ scores and socioeconomic success? It is found that although researchers find some consensus in their empirical findings, yet they disagree strongly about others, too. This may be attributed to the fact that well-controlled experiments in intelligence research are usually not possible and thus conclusions are based upon mere correlations or the results of necessarily ill-controlled natural experiments. Accordingly, not all conclusions are fully supported by the evidence and generally accepted by the research community. To resolve the controversy, perhaps improving the research methodology and skills is of top priority.
Highlights
Today “an individual with a high IQ” has become a synonym for “genius” and it is commonly believed that the gifted individual is destined for greater success in life
Three major questions are examined in detail, i.e. 1) How significant is the correlation between IQ scores and socioeconomic success? 2) Does the predictive power of IQ scores outperform other variables such as parental socioeconomic status or school grades? 3) Are there any age-related or historical changes in the relationship between IQ scores and socioeconomic success? It is found that researchers find some consensus in their empirical findings, yet they disagree strongly about others, too
How significant is the correlation between IQ scores and socioeconomic success? Is it large enough to be of any practical importance? Second, does the predictive power of IQ scores outperform other variables such as parental socioeconomic status or school grades? Third, are there any age-related or historical changes in the relationship between IQ scores and socioeconomic success? it is the aim of this paper to critically discuss these questions with reference to research findings
Summary
Today “an individual with a high IQ” has become a synonym for “genius” and it is commonly believed that the gifted individual is destined for greater success in life. Psychologists have long been interested in investigating whether there is a relationship between high IQ scores and positive life outcomes or not. The scientific research on the topic has established one of the most robust social science findings of the 20th century that IQ scores predict a broad range of life outcomes such as academic performance, years of education, physical health and longevity, job performance, etc. Despite the predictive power of IQ scores for socioeconomic success, as measured by the educational level, occupational prestige, and income of an individual in adulthood, several major questions still remain unanswered and need further investigations. A critical review of previous research using the static approach to investigate the positive association between the IQ scores and socioeconomic success is presented.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
