Have you ever wondered how your intelligence compares to others? Interestingly, there are several factors that might give you an edge. Let’s explore some intriguing research findings that suggest what might make someone smarter than average.
Did you know that height might be linked to intelligence? Studies have shown that taller individuals often earn more, which could be due to higher self-esteem, social dominance, or even biases against shorter people. A 2009 study found that taller children tend to score higher on cognitive tests. So, if you’re tall, you might have a slight intellectual advantage!
Are you the oldest sibling in your family? Research involving 250,000 Norwegian military personnel discovered that firstborns typically have an IQ that is 2.3 points higher than their younger siblings. This isn’t due to genetics but rather the undivided attention they receive from their parents early on.
Whether you were breastfed as a baby might also play a role in your intelligence. A Brazilian study that followed over 3,000 babies into adulthood found that longer breastfeeding durations were associated with higher IQ, better education, and increased income.
While alcohol is often seen as detrimental to brain health, studies suggest that more intelligent individuals might be more inclined to consume it. Research in the UK and US found that smarter children were more likely to drink alcohol as adults. Similarly, a study tracking 6,713 children into adulthood showed a correlation between higher IQ and drug use, including cannabis.
Why might this be? The Savanna-IQ Interaction Hypothesis suggests that intelligent people develop unique values and preferences, such as thriving in nighttime environments, which might lead them to experiment with substances.
If you find yourself worrying a lot, it might be a sign of high intelligence. A study of 126 undergraduates found that verbal intelligence was linked to increased worry and rumination. However, those who worried less scored higher on nonverbal intelligence tests.
Do you often find your mind wandering? A recent study suggests that daydreamers might be more intelligent. People with efficient brains may have extra capacity, leading to more frequent daydreaming.
Are you left-handed? Research comparing 96 left-handed and 96 right-handed individuals found that lefties scored higher in creativity and divergent thinking, which is the ability to generate new ideas from a single concept.
Looking to boost your intelligence? Consider taking music lessons. A study showed that after just 20 days of music training, 90% of preschool-aged children improved in verbal intelligence.
Smoking might negatively impact your intelligence. A study of 20,221 18-year-old males in the Israeli army found that smokers had lower IQ scores compared to non-smokers.
Is abstinence a sign of intelligence? A study of 12,000 teens found that those with higher IQs were more likely to be virgins. This trend continues into later years, with fewer elite college students having lost their virginity by age 19 compared to the general population.
If you enjoy dark humor, it might be a sign of intelligence. A sense of humor, particularly dark humor, is positively associated with intelligence across different ages and genders.
Remember, correlation doesn’t imply causation, but these findings offer fascinating insights into the factors associated with intelligence. How many of these categories do you fit into? Reflect on your experiences and those of the smart individuals you know.
If you’re eager to enhance your intelligence, consider exploring Skillshare, an online learning community offering over 17,000 classes in various creative fields. Whether you’re interested in design, photography, or cooking, Skillshare provides a platform to learn and grow. Check out their special offer for new members and start your learning journey today!
Thanks for reading, and stay curious for more exciting insights in our next article!
Engage in a debate with your peers about the correlation between height and intelligence. Research the studies mentioned in the article and prepare arguments for and against the idea that taller individuals might have an intellectual advantage. This will help you develop critical thinking and public speaking skills.
Conduct a small survey among your classmates to explore the birth order effect on intelligence. Collect data on their birth order and any standardized test scores they are willing to share. Analyze the results to see if they align with the findings from the Norwegian study. This activity will enhance your research and data analysis skills.
Participate in a workshop focused on enhancing creativity through divergent thinking exercises. Explore activities that challenge you to think outside the box, such as brainstorming sessions or creative problem-solving tasks. This will help you understand the link between creativity and intelligence, especially for left-handed individuals.
Join a short music lesson or workshop to experience firsthand the potential cognitive benefits of music training. Reflect on any changes in your cognitive abilities or mood after the session. This activity will provide insight into how music lessons might contribute to increased intelligence.
Analyze different types of humor, focusing on dark humor, and discuss with your peers how humor might relate to intelligence. Create a presentation that explores the psychological and cognitive aspects of humor, using examples from popular media. This will enhance your understanding of the complex relationship between humor and intelligence.
Sure! Here’s a sanitized version of the transcript:
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This episode is supported by Skillshare. Do you ever wonder how your brain stacks up to those around you? Well, if you are standing tall beside them, you might be smarter! Researchers have uncovered that taller people often earn more, which has been hypothesized to be linked to self-esteem, social dominance, or discrimination against shorter individuals. A 2009 study revealed that taller children have higher average cognitive test scores.
Or maybe you are the oldest sibling? A study of 250,000 Norwegian military personnel found that firstborns had an average IQ 2.3 points higher than younger siblings. This wasn’t genetically based, but rather the benefits of full parental attention.
When you were a baby, were you breastfed or bottle-fed? A Brazilian study tracked over 3,000 babies to the age of 30 and found that breastfeeding duration and amount were positively associated with IQ, education, and income.
Speaking of drinking, alcohol is often considered bad for your brain. However, intelligent individuals may be more drawn to it. A study found that intelligent children in both the UK and US were more likely to grow up to consume more alcohol. Similarly, a study that assessed the IQ of 6,713 11-year-olds and then followed them to age 42 found the same to be true for drug use, including cannabis and other substances.
Why would smart people seek substances that could harm them? Known as the Savanna-IQ Interaction Hypothesis, it suggests that more intelligent people have evolved novel values and preferences. For example, while most of us function best during the daytime, some may thrive in nighttime environments. An analysis of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health confirmed this prediction.
If you find this information concerning, you might be quite bright. A sample of 126 undergraduate students found that verbal intelligence was a unique positive predictor of worry and rumination. However, those who didn’t worry scored higher on tests of nonverbal intelligence.
Do you enjoy daydreaming? A new study suggests that daydreamers may be more intelligent, indicating that people with efficient brains may have excess capacity that leads to wandering thoughts.
Are you left-handed? A study of 96 left-handed and 96 right-handed individuals found that lefties scored higher in creativity and measures of divergent thinking, which is the ability to generate new ideas from a single principle.
You have little control over being left-handed or right-handed, but if you want to enhance your intelligence, consider taking music lessons. After just 20 days of music training, a study found that 90% of preschool-aged children showed improvements in verbal intelligence.
While you’re at it, consider quitting smoking. A study of 20,221 18-year-old males serving in the Israeli army found that IQ scores were lower in male smokers compared to non-smokers.
Is abstinence key? A study that assessed 12,000 teens from grades 7-12 found that high schoolers with higher IQs were more likely to be virgins. This trend continues into later years as well. By age 19, a significant percentage of US males and females have lost their virginity, but this number is much lower among elite college students.
Finally, do you find dark humor amusing? Congratulations, your sense of humor is positively associated with intelligence, regardless of age and gender.
It’s important to remember that correlation doesn’t equal causation, but it is interesting to explore the variables related to intellect. So, how many categories do you fit into? Let us know in the comments and share if it aligns with your experiences with smart individuals you know.
If you want to become smarter than average, check out our amazing sponsor for this video, Skillshare. They’re offering three months for only $0.99 if you sign up in January. Skillshare is an online community for creators with over 17,000 classes in areas like design, photography, and cooking. I’ve personally used it for visual effects and improving my After Effects skills, and it’s been a huge asset for me.
Anyone can take a class, and you can even teach one with a premium membership starting as low as $10/month for unlimited access. Head to the link below in the description to start learning.
Thanks for watching and subscribing, and we will see you all next Thursday for a new science video.
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Let me know if you need any further modifications!
Intelligence – The ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills, often measured through cognitive tests and assessments. – Researchers have long debated the extent to which intelligence is influenced by genetics versus environmental factors.
Creativity – The use of imagination or original ideas to create something; inventiveness, often considered a key component of problem-solving and innovation. – In psychology, creativity is often linked to divergent thinking, which involves generating multiple solutions to a problem.
Breastfeeding – The practice of feeding an infant with milk directly from the mother’s breast, which has been shown to have numerous health benefits for both the mother and child. – Studies in developmental psychology suggest that breastfeeding can enhance the mother-infant bond and contribute to cognitive development.
Firstborn – The first child born to a set of parents, often studied in psychology for their unique role in family dynamics and personality development. – Research indicates that firstborns may exhibit higher levels of conscientiousness and leadership qualities compared to their siblings.
Daydreaming – A spontaneous and self-generated state of consciousness where attention shifts away from external tasks to internal thoughts and fantasies. – Cognitive psychologists have found that daydreaming can enhance creativity by allowing the mind to explore novel ideas and solutions.
Smoking – The inhalation of smoke from burning tobacco, which is a major public health concern due to its addictive nature and harmful effects on health. – Behavioral psychology examines the factors that contribute to smoking initiation and cessation, including social influences and stress management.
Alcohol – A psychoactive substance that is commonly consumed in beverages, known for its effects on mood, cognition, and behavior. – Studies in psychology explore the impact of alcohol on decision-making processes and its role in social interactions.
Worry – A cognitive process characterized by persistent and uncontrollable thoughts about potential negative outcomes, often associated with anxiety disorders. – Clinical psychologists work with individuals to develop strategies to manage worry and reduce its impact on daily functioning.
Left-handedness – The preference for using the left hand for tasks such as writing and eating, which has been studied in relation to brain lateralization and cognitive abilities. – Research in neuroscience suggests that left-handedness may be associated with a more distributed pattern of brain activity during certain cognitive tasks.
Dark Humor – A style of humor that involves making light of subjects that are generally considered serious or taboo, often used as a coping mechanism. – Psychologists have found that individuals who appreciate dark humor may possess higher levels of emotional resilience and cognitive flexibility.
