The concept of IQ and its distribution is a fascinating subject of study, offering valuable insights into human cognitive abilities and the diversity of the population. This article delves into the intricate details of the IQ score distribution, providing a comprehensive understanding of how a significant portion of the population scores below an IQ of 100.

Understanding IQ Scores and Their Distribution

IQ scores are typically distributed on a bell curve or normal distribution, with a mean average of 100 and a standard deviation of 15. This means that the majority of the population scores around this average value, creating a symmetrical bell-shaped curve.

To understand this distribution better, let's break it down:

Approximately 50% of people have an IQ score below the mean of 100. All people with scores from 0 to 99 are below a score of 100. The normal distribution will show about 47.34% of the population scoring below 100 on a particular set of test data.

It's important to note that the IQ bell curve is a force-fit of actual test scores to a normal distribution with a mean and median of 100, and in most cases, a standard deviation of 15. This ensures that, by design, half of the test population will score at or below 100, and the other half will score at or above 100.

The Lowest and Highest Possible IQ Scores

The nature of the normal distribution also implies the existence of the lowest and highest possible IQ scores. If we consider the symmetrical nature of the curve, we can estimate these values:

The lowest possible IQ score is calculated by pulling the 1 person in the world's population of 8 billion with the worst test results. Using the NORMINV function, we find that this score would be approximately 5.1. The highest possible IQ score, due to the symmetry of the curve, would be 100 5.1 105.1. However, rounding this to the nearest whole number, we get an IQ of 195.

These extreme values, while rare, highlight the range of cognitive abilities within the population.

The Impact of IQ Scores and Their Perceptions

IQ scores are often the subject of popular culture and media, particularly in left-wing comedians' performances where they use this statistic to flatter their audiences. The comment 'Aren't those rich people STUPID Myself excluded of course— I’m just a COMEDIAN!’ reflects a common misconception that those with higher IQ scores are naturally better, while those with lower scores are automatically considered less intelligent.

While this view is humorous and often exaggerated for comedic effect, it is rooted in the reality that IQ tests are used to categorize cognitive abilities. However, it's crucial to understand that the band considered average, defined as between 85 and 115, includes a large portion of the population (68%). Additionally, only about 16% of the population is considered above average, which means that the majority of individuals fall within a relatively narrow range of intellectual capabilities.

Therefore, it is important to consider IQ scores as just one aspect of human intelligence and not as a definitive measure of a person's overall value or potential.

In conclusion, the distribution of IQ scores around a mean of 100 provides valuable insights into the cognitive abilities of the population. Understanding this distribution can help in fostering a more nuanced and accurate view of intelligence and its diverse manifestations.