Scientific Guide to IQ Compatibility

Psychometric compatibility has been shown to be a key factor within successful relationships. Not only are people of similar intelligence more likely to meet in educational and workplace settings but it is also much more likely that they will share similar interests. As part of their work on the importance of compatible IQ, Dr. Brian Boutwell and his colleagues note that there is an established body of scientific evidence concerning the similarity of mating partners on measures of intelligence.

Derived from the German phrase Intelligenz-Quotien and dating back over a century, the term “IQ” was coined by psychologist William Stern. IQ represents a standardized measure of human intelligence based on the score obtained from appropriate psychometric tests. 

Multiple IQ tests exist which are used to assess IQ range and IQ level. It is widely acknowledged that an IQ test score of around 100 indicates average intelligence, whereas a score above 140 indicates a high level of intelligence.

A useful definition of IQ and the thinking behind it is provided by the High IQ Society, Mensa who state that:

IQ is a type of standard score that indicates how far above, or how far below, his/her peer group an individual stands in mental ability. The peer group score is an IQ of 100; this is obtained by applying the same test to huge numbers of people from all socio-economic strata of society, and taking the average.

You can learn more about the nature of IQ and the pioneers behind its development here.

Among the most well-known IQ tests you are likely to come across are the:

A typical free IQ test equates general intelligence with mental ability, however, it’s important to point out that there is more than one type of intelligence; because when it comes to cultivating positive, happy and rewarding relationships, compatibility across multiple intelligences is highly recommended.

The notion that intelligence is multifaceted owes much to the pioneering work of Howard Gardner. Professor of Cognition and Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Harvard University, Gardner is renowned for his groundbreaking theory of Multiple Intelligences (MI); which he developed in the late 1970s and early 1980s and first published details of in his trailblazing book ‘Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences’ in 1983.

Gardner’s contention that as human beings we have several relatively discrete types of intelligence at our disposal revolutionized our psychological understanding of intellect; which prior to MI theory was driven by the assumption that a single intelligence exists which can be measured by standard IQ tests and other related methods of intellectual assessment.

As a result of his comprehensive research on the subject, Howard Gardner identified eight, distinct signs of intelligence.

While compatibility across all components of multiple intelligences can help facilitate positive and life affirming relationships, research into the concepts surrounding interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligence have been shown to have the greatest impact. Particularly within the field of emotion science. As a case in point, Howard Gardner stated that his work on multiple intelligences received a huge boost in 1995 following the publication of Daniel Goleman‘s best-selling book on emotional intelligence.

In a survey conducted by Grand Canyon University nearly 70% of respondents stated that it was important or very important to be intellectually challenged by a romantic partner. Whether it’s standard IQ compatibility or compatibility in relation to multiple types of intelligence, being in sync intellectually matters within relationships. Here are some of the commonly cited reasons why.

IQ compatibility is just one of the dimensions we match our members on here at Vera to help them develop great friendships and build meaningful relationships. To discover the additional ways we connect like-minded people, take a look at our fun and powerful psychometric tests and make sure you visit the vision and beliefs section of our website to learn more about why we’re so passionate about sparking incredible conversations.