Are women more intelligent than men?

Unfortunately, The MEN are smarter... :)


Men are more intelligent than women, claims new study
By BEN CLERKIN & FIONA MACRAE

Battle of the sexes: Are men more intelligent than women?

It is research that is guaranteed to delight men - and infuriate the women in their lives. A controversial new study has claimed that men really are more intelligent than women.

The study - carried out by a man - concluded that men's IQs are almost four points higher than women's.

British-born researcher John Philippe Rushton, who previously created a furore by suggesting intelligence is influenced by race, says the finding could explain why so few women make it to the top in the workplace.

He claims the 'glass ceiling' phenomenon is probably due to inferior intelligence, rather than discrimination or lack of opportunity.

The University of Western Ontario psychologist reached his conclusion after scrutinising the results of university aptitude tests taken by 100,000 students aged 17 and 18 of both sexes.

A focus on a factors such as the ability to quickly grasp a complex concept, verbal reasoning skills and creativity - some of they key ingredients of intelligence - revealed the male teenagers had IQs that were an average of 3.63 points higher. The average person has an IQ of around 100.

The findings, which held true for all classes and levels of parental education, overturn a 100 year consensus that men and women average the same in general mental ability. They also conflict with evidence that girls do better in school exams than boys.

But Prof Rushton, who was born in Bournemouth and obtained his doctorate in social psychology from the London School of Economics, argues that the faster maturing of girls leads to them outshining boys in the classroom.

And since almost all previous data showing an absence of difference between the sexes was gathered on schoolchildren, the gender difference could easily have been missed.

'It looks like up until late adolescence, the females have the advantage over males because they mature faster, which masks the underlying difference, he said.

Although experts have accepted that men and women differ mentally, with males averaging higher on tests of 'spatial ability' and females higher on verbal tests, it was assumed the differences averaged out, leaving no difference in overall intelligence.

Prof Rushton believes the differences are directly linked to brain size, with other studies showing men having slightly bigger brains than women.

'We know that men have larger brains, even when you take into account larger body size,' said the researcher. 'That means there are more neurons. The question is what these neurons are doing in a man - and they probably have an advantage in processing information.'

It is thought the difference may date back to the Stone Age, with women seeking out men who are more intelligent than them in a bid to pass on the best genes to their children.

'Some people have suggested it evolved because women prefer men who are more intelligent than they are for husbands,' said the professor.

'Just as they prefer men who are taller than them, they also prefer a male who is a little ahead of them in IQ.'

Critics claim Prof Rushton's results could have been skewed by the inclusion of more test results from females than form males.

Prof Rushton, who four years ago triggered a scientific row by claiming intelligence and behaviour are influenced by race, with blacks being more likely to be involved in crime and Asians having a greater chance of high IQs, however, stands by his results.

'These are unpopular conclusions,' he said. 'People should not be made to feel afraid to study controversial issues.

'We have the right to find the truth. One should really look at the facts.'

His work appears to confirm British research which showed men have bigger brains and higher IQs than women, which may explain why chess grandmasters and geniuses are more likely to be male.

The analyses of more than 20,000 verbal reasoning tests taken by university students from around the world revealed that women's IQs are up to five points lower than men's .

Women needn't feel despondent, however, as the scientists believe women can achieve just as much as men - as long as they work harder.

Some humans are more intelligent than others. It has nothing to do with sex.

I have met some women who are smarter than me, and some who are not.

I use a measuring cup to measure the difference. ;)

Intelligence is such a difficult thing to measure! The real question is how much of our intelligence do we use, not how much do we have, because we all have so much more intelligence than we choose to make good use of!

This is a very subjective topic...It really depends on the person(s) involved and what the subject/topics are also what(if any)distractions are involved...for example if you were to put a topless woman in front of many men their IQ's would drop on average prob 30-40 points and the same would happen to many women if it were say a shoe sale...tis a question that may never have a satisfactory answer...

I wouldn't say that. Intelligence knows no gender. I would say that in general women are better communicators than me.

No...

While studies show that there is no difference in intelligence between men and women, they have shown that there is a difference in the brain designs of men and women which affects the way men and women process information. No one brain design has the monopoly on intelligence.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/01/050121100142.htm

Intelligence is not gender related..

Intelligence is not based on gender...Men and woman on average are equally as intelligent, some people are smarter than others, but in general both genders are equal in intelligence.

I think we are all pretty much equal.

nope

Well, it depends upon the scenario and timing!

Women are way more intelligent, that's why they are chosen as the mothers, there are more female teachers than men, women are less likely to compete about there intelligence that's why there aren't so many famouse intelligent women, because they don't broadcast, instead they use this to help them nuture, and most intelligent men were taught by there intelligent mothers, little girls are far more intelligent in nursery, hungry for knowledge while boys can't concentrate like girls, girls are little geniuses but humble with it.

during grammer school years I thought so... but that's because they matured faster I think.

I think that statistics results will show it...

Of course not.

men created everything you see in the world..so STFU and see the recent studies which claimed men are ultimately smarter than women..noble prize winners,ceos,science professors,engineers are more likely to male and will be male...women will be nurses,teachers,receptionists etc...this explains everything!!!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/4183166.stm
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-405056/Men-intelligent-women-claims-new-study.html#comments

no, they just think they are......they are just more slick than men, say like, Jezebel....poor Ahab, she was his 'downfall' ....same as Adam, listening to the women.....:)

Your statement does not make me incorrect... the generalization is just hazy.. but generally speaking.. I am correct.

Trust me, if men were as intelligent as claimed above... I'd have the biggest diamond ring on my finger right now. I'd be happily married and even if biologically women were naturally dumber--who cares?!?! Intellect is a major turn-on and focal point in my interests.... as many good looking men who ask my hand in marriage as there are--- I -- just--- can't-- bring myself.. to marry a guy who isn't intelligent ... I'm sorry.. but this claim that men are smarter is an outrage and absurdity.

It's proven that women mature faster than men due to our complex bodies... whereas men are so focused on their sexuality their mentality becomes primitive.. so your "national geographic magazine" also proves void. National geographic does not measure intellect, and even so, geography is still a "physical" thing. ;)

My point is... I'm pissed! Contrary to the article that says women will be furious to know men are smarter -- I'm pissed because MEN AREN'T SMARTER! lol

I'm reasonably attractive (have been labeled "drop dead gorgeous, sexy," etc) and have intellect! Why can't men do/be the same?!?!

*growls like a rockstar in frustration*

My kingdom for a man with looks/brains!! lol

No disrespect.

P.s. Statistics on intellect don't even seem fair, to be honest. Since men have had a HUGE advantage over women --what with history stopping us from getting educations and what not -- and yet.. we've still managed to keep up? *sigh sigh*

Hi,sorry what was the question again?? regards tessa5

Gender differences in Intelligence and Learning
By: Joshua Kondik (me)

I. Abstract
Since the early 1960’s, many educational, social, and behavioral psychologists have been searching for answers regarding gender differences in education. Since beginning research in gender educational abilities and advantages, many researchers have compiled a multitude of scientific material that has both attempted to confirm and deny any account of a gender gap in education. In a highly controversial and what sometimes seems like a biased topic, what can we assert from the findings of the research that has been conducted? Are men or women more adept to be successful in one area than another? These are questions that many researchers have been trying to answer since the advent of their quest. However, many are finding that, regardless of statistical data, a gender gap does exist in certain educational areas. The purpose of this paper is to examine these aspects and draw a conclusion to explain the “lost boys” generation. It is in my opinion that educational differences are not in direct relationship with intellectual and cognitive ability but rather the techniques practiced to teach children.

II. Introduction
This analysis will focus on providing unbiased results of gender studies on both age and cognitive differences/similarities in education and attempt to make hypothetical assertion as to why a gender gap does exist in our educational system. Information collected and synthesized in this document was obtained through database searches using the EBSCO Host portal. Throughout my research, I found that the many variations accounted for have been acknowledged in certain age groups and are gender specific. For example, an article in US NEWS claims, “Critics of the report note that in the lower grades, boys are more likely than girls to face academic and discipline troubles,” (Ramirez, 2008). However, the study also points out that standardized tests and higher educational attainment have improved and increased and that at older ages, boys and girls perform similarly. This leads me to believe that differences can be related to brain development and educational techniques rather than capacity or innate ability. Although there are certain areas in which there appears to be a small advantage to one sex, they do not seem to affect the educational attainment, capacity or memory of varying sexes when comparing data throughout the normal educational career or grades K-12. Instead, I infer that educational differences are mostly controlled by cultural and physiological growth factors instead of advantages or disadvantages in certain cognitive aspects between sexes.

III. Sex differences in cognitive abilities
Advanced imaging and brain scanning capabilities have shed additional light on cognitive differences between sexes. Most recent research suggests that there are differences in the wiring and development of certain areas of the brain between boys and girls. For instance, research suggests that females seem to have an inclination to language abilities at a much younger age than boys. Dr. Leonard Sax, a practitioner of psychology and founder of National Association for Single Sex Public Education claims that “Girls' fine-motor and language skills develop four years ahead of boys, while boys' spatial skills develop sooner than girls',” (Plummer, 2009). Additionally, studies from Harvard medical school using fMRI and PET scans has shown that the frontal cortex and limbic cortex—responsible for higher brain functions and emotional responses—are larger in women, whereas the parietal cortex and amygdala—responsible for spatial abilities and responding to emotionally arousing information—are larger in males. Research also suggests that different pathways, using those that seem to have an advantage in each sex are used in memorization and learning. Use of different brain hemispheres, for example, right hemisphere dominance in males and the opposite for females, would also support the spatial and language differences. In adulthood, however, these differences dissolve.
The cognitive abilities and functions that have been mentioned above are most recognizable in the early developmental years of children, usually before middle school. It is in fact at these ages that boys are more likely to be diagnosed with a learning disability such as ADHD and more likely to be held back than their female counterparts. At these ages, are the educational techniques practiced more likely to benefit girls than boys? Is it possible that this is why boys are more likely to fail and be diagnosed with learning disability? It is in my opinion that these developmental factors influence the success of women and failure of men at young ages.

IV. Educational techniques and cultural stereotypes
Research has suggested that educational techniques are responsible for the gender gap. For example, grammar and reading, language driven abilities, are taught at young ages when the language center of females has matured but, in males, has not. Additionally, the majority of those in the teaching field are female who are much more likely to portray information and learning techniques that work better for females than males. “Most schools are girl-friendly, says Michael Gurian, because teachers, who are mostly women, teach the way they learn," (Tyre, 2005). He goes on to say that boys should be educated through illustrations and the use of highly visual stimuli.
On the other hand, educational norms such as sitting quietly and the learning intervals seem to affect success as well. For example, boys that are allowed to sit, stand, or move around perform better than if required to stay seated. Jeff Gray, a principal at Foust Elementary school, has noted increasing levels of success by placing girls and boys in different learning environments. “Because males have less serotonin in their brains, which Gray was taught may cause them to fidget more, desks were removed from the boys' classrooms and they got short exercise periods throughout the day, girls were given a carpeted area where they sit and discuss their feelings” (Tyre, 2005).
In addition to learning environments playing a role in educational outcomes, many researchers agree that cultural norms and ideologies influence students learning or will to learn certain subjects. For example, Sax states, “Boys don't want to study poetry and art because they think those are girls' subjects. Girls don't want to study computer science or engineering because they're boys' subjects,” (Plummer, 2009). It is not in fact intellectual ability that seems to affect success, but rather the gender specific roles that boys and girls model and assume in school. This can also explain why more boys are inclined to take on mathematical or engineering degrees where as women are more prone to seek educational or nursing degrees. On the other hand, the mass media also influences the modeling of children. I would also like to assert that most roles represented by male figures in the media do not support educational attainment as an important aspect in life and growth of boys.

V. Conclusion
In conclusion, I have found that although certain advantages in cognitive abilities do occur, they do not seem to directly affect educational success since most differences in brain function even out at later ages. Rather, it is in my opinion that the curriculum, educational techniques, and predetermined cultural norms and beliefs that lead to the different success rates in learning. The most recent studies and surveys suggest that using gender specific educational techniques that engage the mature areas of male and female brains at certain stages of development would benefit both sexes. By allowing males to have a more relaxed and visually exciting approach to education has benefitted them whereas providing structure and supporting communication and bonding opportunities has been advantageous for females. In my opinion, supporting gender-specific classrooms, in some cases, may be beneficial for both sexes. However, I would not suggest that all time spent on education be dedicated to gender-specific classrooms but only a fraction. Studies show that in some cases, boys perform better in competitive environments and that each counterpart sex has benefitted one another in some educational standpoint. More research in this area is necessary to suggest additional pursuits in regulating time with and away from the opposite sex. At any rate, it is necessary that we conduct more studies and experiment with different techniques to insure an equal opportunity in educational success.



Bibliography
Cahill, L. (2005, May). HIS BRAIN, HER BRAIN. Scientific America , 292 (5), pp. 40-47.
.

National Conference of State Legislatures. (2007, December). Single-Sex Public Education. State Legislatures , 33 (10), p. 12. .

Plummer, S. (2009, June 12). Single-sex public education advocated: Boys and girls learn different things at different times, a speaker says. Tulsa World . .

Ramirez, E. (2008, June 9). What Do You Mean 'Boy Crisis'? U.S. News and World Report , 144, p. 70. .

Tyre, P. (2005, September 19). Boy Brains, Girl Brains. Newsweek , 146 (12), p. 59. .

men created almost everything you see in the world...even now winners of noble prizes and fields medals in mathematics,engineers,scientists are men and will be only MEN..so STFU and read the studies published in BBC and Daily Mail etc and accept the fact that men are ULTIMATELY smarter than women..

I think you get both. There are intelligent women and men, and stupid women and men! I think each sex might have strengths with different things though...

Of course not.

:-)

Never.

Women-example-Cleopatra

Nope.

You can't really compare their intelligence since men and women have abilities in different areas. In practice men are generally better in math and calculating while women are better in memorizing and multitasking.

Actually, Mr. Anonymous is inaccurate in his proud and long answers. lol

For centuries women were the holders of wisdom whilst men were the holders of mindless brutality. This insecurity of women always exceeding men, kept men in a state of trying to stop women from ever getting good job, good education, good anything. Just exist for the man to sleep with and that's it.

But here's the real question:

What kind of intelligent creature wants a stupid spouse for a mate?

The answer: Apparently men, so it speaks a lot for itself.

Women tend to be attracted to magazines that are more reflective, introverted, contemplative, etc...

Men are more into physical flim-flam, hence, the male-magazines are more about cars, breasts, and guns.

Lol, the proof is in the pudding. Statistics are not needed for the obvious... particularly when women have been oppressed for centuries and men have had a serious head-start in life. But that's another story for another time.

In ***genera*** women are more intelligent than men while men contemplate their penises and all that they wish to do with it.. (from my experience. lol)

Sorry guys, you're still valuable, though.. I'm not saying you're worthless like your ancestors would try to say about women in the holy bible.. x3