Once considered the ultimate measure of intelligence – the IQ test’s reputation has taken a hit in recent years, proved to be biased and well, not a great measure of actual intelligence.
However, it hasn’t stopped us from wanting to see how we measure up, pushed on by the fact that deep down, we all think we’re just a little bit smarter than those around us. (Or is that just millennials?)
Enter the Cognitive Reflection Test – a three-question quiz described as the world’s shortest IQ test – that’s perfect for having a bit of fun testing your brain power (and maybe feeling a little smug about getting one right).
Listen: Could you answer these year 3 and 5 questions?
Be wary though – at first, these questions seem simple. Too simple. In fact, they are harder than you think. Whether you get the answers right – and how quickly you do it, is how this little test separates the average schlub from the intellectually gifted.
Question 1: A bat and a ball cost $1.10 in total. The bat costs $1.00 more than the ball. How much does the ball cost?
Question 2: If it takes 5 machines 5 minutes to make 5 widgets, how long would it take 100 machines to make 100 widgets?
Question 3: In a lake, there is a patch of lily pads. Every day, the patch doubles in size. If it takes 48 days for the patch to cover the entire lake, how long would it take for the patch to cover half of the lake?
Top Comments
This test only covers maths. Actual IQ tests cover multiple subjects and areas of thinking. A person can be bad at maths and still gifted.
Of course the real intelligence test is whether or not you believe "the sun" newspaper is an accurate source of information when it comes to testing cognitive ability...