Intelligence tests and the obligation to be comprehensible

Intelligence tests do not essentially reveal what someone knows, but rather what someone is cognitively capable of: recognizing patterns, drawing logical conclusions, understanding complexity, thinking abstractly. Those who score particularly high in these tests have ways of thinking that are not accessible to everyone.

I myself achieved the third-best result out of 86 participants in the innovative ENNDT (“Equally Normed Numerical Derivation Test”) numerical intelligence test. According to conventional tests, all participants were already in the top percentile (IQ 135+). Based on my result, my IQ was estimated at 172. Even though I haven't always scored so high on other tests, I consider this result significant because it shows that I can solve problems that even most gifted people find difficult.

But this is precisely where a problem arises: what seems completely clear and almost trivial to me is often difficult for others to understand, also for many gifted people. Those who think quickly and complexly must therefore expect to have to explain their thought processes.

Strategies for greater comprehensibility

  1. Make intermediate steps visible: Many considerations happen automatically. If you want to bring others along with you, you have to consciously formulate these steps.
  2. Use metaphors and examples: Abstract ideas become more tangible when translated into images or everyday situations.
  3. Ask for feedback: A simple “Was that understandable?” is enough to know where you need to make adjustments.
  4. Choose clear language: The more complex the thought, the simpler the wording should be.
  5. Show patience: Quick thinking should not turn into impatience when explaining.

Conclusion

A high IQ is not an end in itself. Those who develop complex thoughts also have a responsibility to communicate them in a way that others can understand. Only then can ideas unfold their effect.

Claus D. Volko (with ChatGPT)

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