How much IQ is needed to be a scientist?

Question

what is the role of IQ to be a great scientist

Answer 1

By definition, an IQ of 100 is 'forced' to be normal or average.  There is so much to know and understand today (and remember and relate) to obtain an advanced scientific degree (PhD) that it is likely that an IQ of 120 or better would make the trip smoother.  That said, IQ is not too well understood and other capacities may be required (with or without a high measured IQ) to be a 'great scientist.'  Although there is dispute, Einstein may have been dyslexic.  Some dyslexics have trouble with detail (reading letters, etc.) but somehow easily 'see' the big picture.  General Patton was a dyslexic and his mother had to help him with reading assignments, etc. but he could envision a battle better than most and take advantage of his personal vantage point.  IQ is a measure of the size of your 'bucket' not an indication of what you choose to carry in it.

Answer 2

IQ has no role whatsoever.  IQ is not a measure of intelligence but the ability to learn about and retain information.  This tends to be a good quality for a scientist to have, so scientists tend to have higher IQs.  However, your IQ can be trained, so ifyou are a scientist, you tend to learn how to do the IQ puzzles well anyway as part of your job.

Answer 3

There are numerous IQ tests and they don't all measure the same things. That's fine because scientists don't all utilize the same skills.

I've known some scientists (not "great" ones, though) with IQs that I would guess to be barely above 100. Some of them made worthwhile contributions to their fields. I've also known some whose IQs are probably even higher than mine. Some of them made worthwhile contributions to their fields too.

Answer 4

The first reference gives some idea of IQ ranges by occupation.    To be a great scientist probably requires genius level, generally considered to be an IQ around 150, and around the 99.9th percentile.  You could certainly be a good or a successful scientist with less.

Answer 5

A high IQ is not a requirement for scientific achievement.  But IQ can be an indicator that someone possess certain important attributes.  Among them...

The ability to read and absorb vast amounts of information on a subject.

The ability to think clearly and logically, the ability to think  creatively, and the ability to know when to apply the different kinds of thinking.

Curiosity, rather than irritation at unexpected results.

Large capacity for hard work and tedium.

Very good at math as almost no science is done without it.

Very good at communicating

Very good at collaborating

Answer 6

To be a scientist, you don't need a certain level of IQ. All you need is the opportunity to seek problems, investigate evidence and solve the problems using these pieces of evidence.

Of course, having a high scientific IQ can put you at an advantage.

Answer 7

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