Every individual idealizes themselves. And this idealization boils down to one admittedly reductive but prevalent question in our Western societies: am I beautiful and smart?
“Beauty” can be observed with nothing more than a mirror to check the perfection or imperfection of the image reflected to others. Intelligence, on the other hand, is more delicate to gauge. Like height or weight, intelligence is measured, with a test: the famous IQ test. It has become fashionable. It is a series of questions on logic, memory, and reasoning.
Internet sites are multiplying. Television shows are achieving high ratings. “Individuals like to know themselves, and we see an abundance of these tests: on TV but also in the press. The tests we, psychologists, administer are much more reliable because they are calibrated and more sophisticated, especially in terms of age,” says Nicolas Pachoutinsky, a psychologist in Nice. Psychologists have access to specific tests and for this, they must contact a specialized agency by presenting their degree: to show impeccable credentials to ensure the “professional” framework of these tests.
IQ tests, even though they are now “democratized,” remain primarily tools for specialists. “We mainly use them in the educational context. When a student is facing difficulties, IQ tests can help explain the reasons: simply a lack of interest in the school environment or real challenges,” explains Nicolas Pachoutinsky.
Tests are also conducted for admission into specialized educational institutions. Used for this purpose, the tests thus appear very far removed from the “gimmick” tools of the internet and television. “Some come to my office to know their intellectual level. It amounts to narcissism. A high IQ and they praise themselves; otherwise, they avoid mentioning it,” the psychologist from Nice says amusedly.
Another lavish presence of these tests: in bookstores. Indeed, more and more recruiters subject their candidates to psychological tests (IQ or mnemonic) The opportunistic publishers offer a multitude of books that allow for practice. The tests then have no value because a “dumb” candidate well-trained can thus have a higher IQ than an “intelligent” one who is untrained.
Unless the intelligence is having thought to train… The “dumb” person may not be who we think. IQ tests thus resemble a remake of “The Dinner Game”…
Vincent Trinquat