About Our Society
Founded by leading researchers in psychometrics and cognitive science, the World IQ Society is an international organisation dedicated to the rigorous study of human intelligence.
Our Mission
To advance the scientific study of human intelligence through multidisciplinary research, scholarly exchange, and public education. We create a global platform where rigorous academic discourse meets practical application.
Scientific Approach
Our methodology is grounded in empirical evidence and peer-reviewed research. We prioritize scientific integrity over ideological positions, maintaining objectivity in all our studies and publications.
Global Community
With members across six continents, we foster connections between researchers, academics, and intellectually curious individuals from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds.
Defining Intelligence
Intelligence, as defined by leading researchers, refers to the general mental capability that involves the ability to reason, plan, solve problems, think abstractly, comprehend complex ideas, learn quickly, and learn from experience. It is not merely book learning or test-taking ability, but rather reflects a broader capability for comprehending our surroundings—'catching on,' 'making sense' of things, or 'figuring out' what to do.
Our research examines both fluid intelligence (the ability to solve novel problems) and crystallized intelligence (accumulated knowledge and skills), recognizing that both contribute uniquely to human cognitive abilities.
Research & Publications
The World IQ Society supports cutting-edge research across multiple domains of cognitive science
Current Research Initiatives
Neurocognitive Foundations
Investigating the neural correlates of intelligence using fMRI and EEG, examining how brain structure and connectivity relate to cognitive abilities across different age groups.
Key Findings: Identified distinct neural networks associated with fluid reasoning versus crystallized knowledge.
Genetic Influences
Large-scale genome-wide association studies exploring the complex genetic architecture of intelligence and its interaction with environmental factors.
Key Findings: Polygenic scores now explain approximately 10-15% of intelligence variance.
Lifespan Development
Longitudinal studies tracking cognitive development from childhood through late adulthood to identify factors that promote cognitive resilience and intellectual growth.
Key Findings: Cognitive engagement in midlife significantly predicts cognitive health in later years.
Recent Publications
The Flynn Effect Reversal: Evidence from 15 Nations
Comprehensive analysis of IQ trends across developed nations showing reversal of the Flynn Effect in several countries.
Cognitive Training Transfer Effects
Meta-analysis of 72 studies examining the extent to which cognitive training transfers to untrained abilities.
Intelligence and Economic Productivity
Cross-national study demonstrating the relationship between population cognitive ability and economic development indicators.
Cultural Fairness in Cognitive Assessment
Development and validation of new assessment tools with reduced cultural bias for global applications.
Membership Benefits
Join our global community of researchers, academics, and intellectually curious individuals
- Access to quarterly research journal
- Monthly newsletter with research updates
- Member directory access
- 10% discount on conference registration
- Online discussion forum access
- All Associate benefits
- Access to full research library
- Two free webinars per quarter
- 30% discount on conference registration
- Opportunity to present research
- Professional networking events
- All Professional benefits
- VIP conference access
- Research collaboration opportunities
- Priority publication consideration
- Advisory committee eligibility
- Exclusive annual retreat
Research Library
Members receive exclusive access to our digital library containing over 5,000 peer-reviewed articles, historical texts, and research datasets on human intelligence.
Global Networking
Connect with fellow members through our secure online portal, specialized interest groups, and regional chapters across six continents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Modern IQ tests are statistically rigorous assessments normed against representative populations. Tests like the WAIS, Stanford-Binet, and Raven's Progressive Matrices measure various cognitive domains including fluid reasoning, working memory, and processing speed. Scores are calibrated so that 100 represents the population mean, with approximately 68% of people scoring between 85-115.
It's important to understand that IQ measures cognitive abilities under test conditions and is not a comprehensive measure of a person's worth or potential. Our research focuses on understanding the predictive validity of these measures for educational and occupational outcomes.
Research indicates that while fluid intelligence tends to be relatively stable throughout adulthood, crystallized intelligence (knowledge and skills) can increase with sustained effort. Cognitive training shows domain-specific improvements, though transfer effects remain debated.
Our studies suggest that environments rich in cognitive stimulation, quality education, proper nutrition, and intellectual engagement support optimal intellectual development throughout life. We continue to research interventions that may enhance cognitive functioning.
Approximately 2% of the population scores above 130 on standardized IQ tests, which is commonly considered the threshold for giftedness. Scores above 145 occur in about 0.1% of the population.
The World IQ Society welcomes members across the full spectrum of cognitive abilities who share our scientific mission. While we have special interest groups for high-IQ individuals, our membership includes researchers, educators, psychologists, and intellectually curious individuals from all backgrounds.
We actively research and develop assessment tools with reduced cultural loading. Our current projects include:
- Creating culture-fair tests focusing on abstract reasoning
- Developing dynamic assessment methods
- Establishing local norms for different populations
- Researching test bias and fairness across diverse groups
We recognize this as a critical area requiring ongoing research and refinement.