IQ means ‘Intelligence Quotient': the amount or quantity of a person's intellect given as a numerical score. 100 denotes average. Higher than that and you would be regarded as intellectually bright.
From 1905 onwards, attempts to measure raw-IQ were conceived to determine which individuals would benefit most from formal education. The earliest system used was the Stanford-Binet test.
An individual can possess a high IQ but might not be able to read and write through lack of education. Education does not constitute intelligence. Lack of education does not constitute stupidity.
A study carried out by Professor Jame Flynn, of the University of Otago in New Zealand, published in the year 2001, deduced that the world is getting smarter, and that environment can make a massive difference to a person's IQ. This is something the first published book in the ‘Prodigy' series asserted way back in 1990, and which the authors' utilised in practise for 40 years.
However, IQ is reducing in some developing and third world nations. Even in a country such as Thailand - a civilised nation with a relatively high standard of living - the IQ of children is reducing. The average IQ of children dropped from 92 in 1996 to 89 in 2001. The study was carried out by the Public Heath Ministry of Thailand.
Critics of IQ tests argue that they are mainly conducted in algebra, and are biased towards the culture of those who devise them.
Supporters of IQ testing believe that our brains are endowed with a capacity they call general intelligence, and that this is what IQ tests measure. Whatever, to find out the level of an individual's IQ or expertise in any field, some kind of test must be carried out.
The Intelligence Scale
IQ 70 or below. Subnormality.
IQ 80. Borderline retardation. 5% of the population in the West score below this figure.
IQ 100. Average. This is the average intellectual score for adults in the West.
IQ 120. Very bright. Only 5% of the human race score above. In some nations less than 1% of the population score above this figure.
IQ 130. Gifted. This level of intelligence is widely recognised to represent those who are intellectually gifted.
IQ 148. Genius. This magic figure allows you to join MENSA - the Genius Club.
IQ 173. Super-Genius. This super-magic figure qualifies you to enter Intertel and TheTriple Nine Society. These are the intellectually exclusive associations which only admit people functioning at super-genius level.