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Community Corner

Why IQ Tests Are Annoying and the Kardashians Are Successful

Academic Corner explains how Emotional Intelligence (EQ) compares to IQ.

I have always been put off by IQ tests. Not because of my sub-par score — actually I have no idea what my IQ is and don’t want to know because, judging by my lack of ability on those Mensa tests in the back of airline magazines, it will probably depress me.  I’m not a fan because IQ tests don’t look at the big picture. 

IQ tests can be useful in assessing a person’s cognitive ability and identifying learning disabilities. However, a student’s success is often related to far more than purely an IQ score. The majority of successful students possess a high EQ as well. EQ, or Emotional Intelligence, comprises four capabilities:

  • Self-awareness — the ability to identify your own emotions and their impact
  • Self-management — the ability to control your emotions and behavior
  • Social Awareness — the ability to recognize and understand the emotions of others and act appropriately
  • Relationship Management — the ability to influence and connect with others

Students are assessed on much more than pen and paper tests. Most classes require students to work in pairs or on group projects to prepare them for real life work situations where employees are likely to work with a team. The bean counter working in isolation is a thing of the past. It is rare to find any job that does not require working cooperatively with colleagues, clients, students, patients, customers, managers, etc. Having a high IQ is very helpful depending upon the type of job you have, but having a good EQ is what will make you successful.

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In addition to IQ and EQ, motivation is perhaps the biggest contributor to student success. I know all you parents of teenage boys are nodding like bobbleheads right now. I will often look at a bright student who is earning dismal grades and ask, “How bad do you want it?” Because really, a kid can have all the potential in the world, but if they don’t do their homework or crack a book before a test, it doesn’t matter. On the other hand, time after time I have seen “average” students work their butts off and become extraordinarily successful. 

Take a moment to think about the people you know. Are the really bright ones the most successful in terms of career? How about their personal lives? We all know people who are experts in their field but can’t function in interpersonal relationships. On the flip side, you probably also know people who are very successful based more on their EQ than IQ.  That would explain the Kardashians.

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www.psychology.about.com/od/psychologicaltesting/a/int-history.htm

Sue Schaefer is a student advocate, academic coach, and certified teacher. We encourage you to visit her website: Academic Coaching Associates. You may email Sue at susan.schaefer@academiccoachingct.com.

You can also follow Sue on twitter: @sueschaefer1

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