The narrator claims to have a tested IQ of 190. The narrator doesn't write like someone with an IQ of 190. Not even close.
I've seen this done a number of times. What on earth possesses an author to claim a high IQ and then not be able to meet the claim?
I am probably way off base here. I personally believe intelligence is a relative factor. Different tests will give different scores and will only be an honest score if the person taking the test does it honestly. I took many tests when I was in that darn mental hospital and always played games after the first test (dumb habit) they tested my so-called IQ with a one time test. I wasn't given access to my records legally so I can't tell what the results were.
I will say I played games for over 4 years with a college professor of psychology and his class. I got away with it until I made one mistake after 4 years. The professor stood up at the end of the session and told that class they got an F for the session and I got an A+, with him also getting the F for the 4 years I played him for a fool. How smart did that make me. I had some basic intelligence factors going for me, but I was actually extremely stupid.
I have come to realize there are many forms of intelligence around us everyday of our lives. One person might be smart at math or chemistry or biology, while another person might be extremely smart with mechanical or electrical applications. Another is extremely gifted as a cook. Which one is really smarter. And sometimes those with a gift of whatever type will go to extreme measures to hide it.
Perhaps the guy took some online "IQ test". My kids had me do that once. After some twenty pretty easy multiple choice questions, they proclaimed I had an IQ=149. Then came the kicker: for just $25 they would mail me a certificate! I think that not falling for that was the only proof of any intelligence :o)
In my experience people with a genuinely high IQ go out of their way to avoid mentioning it since it only creates problems. The last thing to do in any circumstances is to make others feel inferior, or to imply that they are, and that is one of the first things learnt - often through pain or bullying - so high IQ people often tend to be somewhat withdrawn socially and may be poor at expressing themselves in a social setting.
Although IQ tests require word comprehension, the ability to communicate isn't part of the testing.
In my experience people with a genuinely high IQ go out of their way to avoid mentioning it since it only creates problems. The last thing to do in any circumstances is to make others feel inferior, or to imply that they are, and that is one of the first things learnt - often through pain or bullying - so high IQ people often tend to be somewhat withdrawn socially and may be poor at expressing themselves in a social setting.
Not only that, but studies have demonstrated that individuals (especially children) listed as 'gifted' are often less satisfied in life, and end up dropping out rather than contributing in some big way. That feeds into the 'minimizing my intelligence' rather than bragging about it. If it brings you no happiness, and makes people think you're an egomaniac, why the hell mention it to anyone.
DocHoldiday has some good points, but I don't really see their relevance to the basic question. Yes, there are all sorts of intelligence, but we're talking about someone claiming an extremely high IQ when they can't support it with their writing. That doesn't suggest that others aren't intelligent, only that the claim rings especially hollow.
Just as you've got to be careful writing from the perspective of a Nigerian transvestite during the Ebola crisis, you need to be extremely cautious about any perspective you have little basis with. If you don't know anyone with an IQ that high, what makes you think you're qualified to represent them? Research helps, but more important than research is understanding their perspective. Being able to claim your character is smarter than everyone else is a self-serving fallacy.
Not only that, but studies have demonstrated that individuals (especially children) listed as 'gifted' are often less satisfied in life
This is due to the pressure and expectation placed on them early in life and through most of their development years. The ones that can get away without being pressured and limit the expectation say they do well and are satisfied. The problems seem to be more environmental than IQ related.
This is due to the pressure and expectation placed on them early in life and through most of their development years. The ones that can get away without being pressured and limit the expectation say they do well and are satisfied. The problems seem to be more environmental than IQ related.
Exactly my point, with a fictional character bragging about his exceptionally high IQ. If the guy was well-adjusted, he either wouldn't know his own IQ, or would know better than to continually harp on it. Those who are aware of their individual IQs rarely feel about calling additional attention to it. It's more a trap than a step up. In this case, ignorance (of your own IQ) really is the best policy.
The narrator claims to have a tested IQ of 190
IQ is about the ability to think things through and solve puzzles, also IQ tests have to be different for people from different cultures, ages, and educations. Also, an IQ is totally different from education and upbringing. A person with an IQ of 190 who hasn't had a good education in English will sound and write just like a person with an IQ of 90 with the same poor education.
By narrator I assume you mean an omniscient or 1st-person narrator, not the author.
It could simply be the author not writing like his character would speak, just like if the character was a 5-yo and the author wrote it like a college grad. (I'm sorry, but I can't resist this next part -- it's the narrator telling the story, not the author.)
Or maybe the narrator is dumbing it down to the reader's level.
The IQ score is a standardized measurement of the ability level. It does not indicate the level of either education or training. A high level of ability with out training or education in some form or another is useless. While a low level with all the potential education and/or training possible will actually seem smarter. In the example given I would assume the character had not received the level of education or training to go with the IQ level score.
