Monday, April 12, 2010

Rational and Irrational Thought: The Thinking That IQ Tests Miss

There is an assumption of Intelligence and rationality, going hand in hand. This unfortunately is untrue. The IQ test does not factor rationality. The term “dysrationalia” describes someone with an average IQ that is unable to think and behave rationally. What is intelligence when its not used rationally?

Dysrationalia is caused by two different problems: the processing problem and the content problem. The processing problem begins with choosing from numerous solutions. There are usually two types of solutions, ones that require little concentration and less power, while the other requires more concentration and endurance. Our tendency is to choose the solution that is easiest and requires the least amount of effort on your part.

When a group is given a test and there is a choice of cannot be determined, there is a problem with the content. When people are asked mind boggling questions, like “Jack is looking at Anne, but Anne is looking at George. Jack is married, but George is not. Is a married person looking at an unmarried person?” There are 3 solutions that are given. Yes, No, and cannot be determined. We are most likely to choose the, cannot be determined, 80 percent of the people replied. When the option is given, the easy way out, least amount of endurance, we tend to take it.

Its really tempting to give up and not think about a choice thoroughly, especially when it is a mind boggling question that seems silly. The first thing that goes through my head is “why do I even care about this?” It really makes a difference, making sure that your muscles and thought processing is being constantly challenged.

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