11/23/24
February 28, 2006
How do you score?: A sample of the Wonderlic IQ Test.
14 out of 15 better than vince
posted by canes09 at 12:40 PM on February 28, 2006
Who's going to do worse than Vince did and admit it in this thread? The one I missed was one I really should have gotten, but then again, I can't run a 4.3 40, and Vince'll be richer than me by year's end. You can make the case both ways.
posted by chicobangs at 12:49 PM on February 28, 2006
Some of these questions are common sense. Shouldn't the law of averages dictate that if you've spent the last four years at an institute of higher education and almost (just guessing) half of the questions are common sense, a player should at least score in the mid 20's? Scoring a 16 is terrible but a 6 is completely unacceptable.
posted by ksb122 at 12:53 PM on February 28, 2006
14 of 15 for me, and the printing one sucks. Everyone knows ink = money, so you print everything in the smaller typeface, idiot.
posted by wfrazerjr at 12:56 PM on February 28, 2006
If I remember correctly, there are 40 questions on the test the players have to take. Making 16 out of 40 is still only 40%. Us and our kids had and have to make 70% just to pass in school. How can they say 40% is okay? If we did our jobs at a 40% satisfaction or completion rate, we'd be out on the street in a second. Makes you wonder what is really best. Having incredible sports talent or just being relatively smart.
posted by dbt302 at 01:01 PM on February 28, 2006
I suppose it depends on how difficult the other 25 questions are. I remember hearing last year that Rams' QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, a former Harvard star, blew the test away, but if all 40 questions were of this level, I don't think that would be much of a feat.
posted by wfrazerjr at 01:09 PM on February 28, 2006
I missed 1. My 40-yard dash wasn't so bad, but my bench-pressing sucked. It came out all wrinkled even though I used starch.
posted by scully at 01:12 PM on February 28, 2006
Damn! I got 14 out of 15, but I'll spend the rest of the day kicking myself for getting #4 wrong! I blew the i before e and the e before i switch! Damn! Damn! Damn!
posted by commander cody at 01:12 PM on February 28, 2006
Such a dumb test. If u miss more than 5 u must be retarded, and yes, that ink question is ridiculous. lol.... Just goes to show being smart means jack
posted by zenemi at 01:29 PM on February 28, 2006
I can see how it would be difficult because of the strict time limit. Five minutes isn't much time. Also, test taking is not a function of intelligence. Some people just test poorly.
posted by bperk at 01:32 PM on February 28, 2006
Just goes to show being smart means jack Yes. Clearly.
posted by cobra! at 02:03 PM on February 28, 2006
There's no smartness requirement for Spofi, at least.
posted by gspm at 02:11 PM on February 28, 2006
15/15 That means I am qualified to get beat up for my lunch money by a 250 lb. linebacker.
posted by dzot at 02:26 PM on February 28, 2006
15/15 That means I am qualified to get beat up for my lunch money by a 250 lb. linebacker. posted by dzot at 2:26 PM CST on February 28 What I always did was yell "Look over there, free cheeseburgers" and point in another direction. By the time they looked back I was gone. Worked everytime.
posted by commander cody at 02:39 PM on February 28, 2006
I tried that, CC, but I ended up looking myself. Also, if you insist on typing "u" instead of "you", I'm pretty sure you're lying about your score.
posted by wfrazerjr at 02:49 PM on February 28, 2006
I clicked on the link and got Page 2. I couldn't seem to find Page 1. Maybe it had easier questions.
posted by drevl at 02:52 PM on February 28, 2006
15/15 as well, and well under 5 minutes. There were only two that required any mental computation (the printer one, which is so common a question type the method for solving is well-worn, and the profit-sharing one), the rest could be banged out in very little time. So yeah- I guess for football players of unusual strength, speed, and agility getting a half-decent score is impressive. But for those of us who can't bring jack squat to the table when it comes to the athletic arena, it's not saying much that we found these test easy. We better have, or our whole lives have been for naught! :o I can't tell if drevl is serious, or just unusually witty.
posted by hincandenza at 03:01 PM on February 28, 2006
ESPN put a couple sample questions on SporstCenter last night. What is the 9th month? If Dave is 17 and his sister Stephanie is twice as old as he is, how old will Stephanie be when Dave is 23? If a pad of paper is 42 cents. How much is 4 pads of paper?
posted by dbt302 at 03:02 PM on February 28, 2006
Now I know why I never made the pros...I'm just too smart...I always thought it was because I was undersized & not enough talent...
posted by phillyolhead at 03:11 PM on February 28, 2006
IF I recall, the entire 40 questions are to be done in 5 minutes, and several (3 or 4) are of the mental gymnastic type ala the printing and profit-sharing ones. One of the things they look at is how well a person prioritizes, does he work the obvious ones first, then come back to the time intensive ones, does he think fast, can he analyze several factors at once... It is no meant primarily as a test of knowledge, but as a test for other factors, not the least of which is poise under pressure.
posted by elovrich at 03:14 PM on February 28, 2006
The question most often answered incorrectly was: "What... is the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow?"
posted by chris2sy at 03:34 PM on February 28, 2006
the printer one, which is so common a question type the method for solving is well-worn
Hal, it took a bit of mental math for me to figure that one out. What is the method for solving it quickly? Thanks.
posted by DudeDykstra at 03:36 PM on February 28, 2006
15/15. Do I get a scholarship?
posted by owlhouse at 03:36 PM on February 28, 2006
"What... is the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow?" Blue! No! Green!
posted by tselson at 03:40 PM on February 28, 2006
From the Wikipedia Wonderlic article: "Some rumoured, but unconfirmed, scores of other NFL players and draft candidates: Pat McInally, punter — 50 Mike Mamula, defensive end — 49 Kevin Curtis, wide receiver — 48 Adam Cox, sports radio producer; 43 Alex Smith, quarterback — 40 Brian Griese, quarterback — 39 Eli Manning, quarterback — 39 Akili Smith, quarterback — 37 (suspected of cheating; scored 15 on first attempt) Matt Darby, sports radio host; 36 Matt Leinart, quarterback — 35 Tom Brady, quarterback — 33 Steve Young, quarterback — 33 John Elway, quarterback — 30 Peyton Manning, quarterback — 28 Troy Aikman, quarterback — 29 Ryan Leaf, quarterback — 27 Ben Roethlisberger, quarterback — 25 David Carr, quarterback — 24 Brett Favre, quarterback — 22 Michael Vick, quarterback — 20 Vinny Testaverde, quarterback — 18 Antwaan Randle El, wide receiver (former college quarterback) — 17 Dan Marino, quarterback — 16 Vince Young, quarterback — 16 Randall Cunningham, quarterback — 15 Donovan McNabb, quarterback — 12 Jeff George, quarterback — 10" If true this information supports what I have always thought: Jeff George is a real dipshit...but how come Ryan Leaf slipped by then if its such a great measure?
posted by chris2sy at 03:42 PM on February 28, 2006
Clearly the answer is to draft a QB that scored a 33. Just like Larry Bird.
posted by yerfatma at 03:44 PM on February 28, 2006
Marino & Testaverde come off even now as a bit dumb-jockish, but -- how did Donovan McNabb of all people get 12? What, did he fall asleep in the exam room or did they accidentally administer the test in Russian or something?
posted by chicobangs at 03:51 PM on February 28, 2006
I guess I'll be the one to admit that I'm short, slow, weak, AND dumb as I missed 3 of these mind-numbing brain teasers. I am comforted in the fact that no matter what my score, my paychecks are satisfactory, my life is good, and I am still blessed with a rapier wit.
posted by THX-1138 at 03:52 PM on February 28, 2006
and I am still blessed with a rapier wit. Who told you THAT?!? Just Kidding!!!
posted by commander cody at 04:00 PM on February 28, 2006
chico, I for one never thought of Donovan as MENSA material. Maybe that soup was a bubblin' in his stomach, or maybe he really is that stupid. I suspect the latter. Or maybe these rumored scores are bullshit.
posted by cl at 04:06 PM on February 28, 2006
what are we talking about, a common-knowlege test for football? WTF! That really does not matter, does it? When a player gets in the game, will the ref stop him with a series of questions before reaching the goal line?
posted by bkdet at 04:17 PM on February 28, 2006
AND NOW I am burdened with low self esteem as well as a test score matching deep thinker, Jeff George
posted by THX-1138 at 04:27 PM on February 28, 2006
tselson... you need to check out the movie again. green is a good color, but it ain't the favorite color in this classic. and for those curious, the air speed of an unladen europen swallow is apx. 24 mph. not sure about an african swallow, though....
posted by DudeDykstra at 04:42 PM on February 28, 2006
Just ran a wind sprint and did 50 push ups then got a 14. I'm ready coach. In other news Beckham scores a 2
posted by timdawg at 04:43 PM on February 28, 2006
By the way, can anyone find a link to the real 50 question test. I'd love to try that out
posted by timdawg at 04:43 PM on February 28, 2006
Perfect score is 50, the average is 21. Those with a score of 10-12 typically have jobs ranging from janitor to street sweeper. WRs Larry Fitzgerald, Pittsburgh - 18 Roy Williams, Texas - 17 Rashaun Woods, Oklahoma State - 21 Reggie Williams, Washington - 17 Lee Evans, Wisconsin - 27 Michael Clayton, LSU - 19 Michael Jenkins, Ohio State - 20 Devery Henderson, LSU - 17 Keary Colbert, Southern Cal - 21 Ernest Wilford, Virginia Tech - 19 Bernard Berrian, Fresno State - 20 QBs Drew Henson, Michigan - 42 Eli Manning, Mississippi - 39 Ben Roethlisberger, Miami (OH) - 25 Philip Rivers, North Carolina State - 30 J.P. Losman, Tulane - 31 Cody Pickett, Washington - 19 Matt Schaub, Virginia - 30 John Navarre, Michigan - 24 Josh Harris, Bowling Green - 25 Casey Clausen, Tennessee - 20 Jeff Smoker, Michigan State - 23 Jason Fife, Oregon - 26 Matt Mauck, LSU - 30 Eli Roberson, Kansas State - 11 B.J. Symons, Texas Tech - 22 Jared Lorenzen, Kentucky - 28 Bradlee Van Pelt, Colorado State - 25 Rod Rutherford, Pittsburgh - 17 TEs Ben Watson, Georgia - 41 Kellen Winslow, Miami - 12 Ben Troupe, Florida - not listed Ben Utecht, Minnesota - 22 Ben Hartsock, Ohio State - 32 Jason Peters, Arkansas - 9 Jeff Dugan, Maryland - 24 Sean Ryan, Boston College - 35 Chris Cooley, Utah State - 32 Tim Euhus, Oregon State - 34 RBs Steven Jackson, Oregon State - 28 Kevin Jones, Virginia Tech - 15 Chris Perry, Michigan - 20 Greg Jones, Florida State - 25 Tatum Bell, Oklahoma State - 18 Julius Jones, Notre Dame - 16 Michael Turner, Northern Illinois - 35 Maurice Clarett, Ohio State - 20 Fred Russell, Iowa - 9 Mewelde Moore, Tulane - 19 Cedric Cobbs, Arkansas - 14 Jarrett Payton, Miami (FL) - 12 Guards Vernon Carey, Miami (FL) - 18 Chris Snee, Boston College - 19 Steve Peterman, LSU - 20 Justin Smiley, Alabama - 21 Sean Locklear, North Carolina State - 19 Adrien Clarke, Ohio State - 24 Shannon Snell, Florida - 28 Alan Reuber, Texas AM (T) - 24 Jacob Bell, Miami (OH) - 22 Anthonly Herrera, Tennessee - 23 Antonio Hall, Kentucky - 20 Tackles Robert Gallery, Iowa - 23 Shawns Andrews, Arkansas - 20 Kelly Butler, Purdue - 29 Nat Dorsey, Georgia Tech - 35 Jacob Rogers, Southern Cal - 29 Carlos Joseph, Miami (FL) - 7 Tony Pape, Michigan - 23 Mark Wilson, California - 30 Kirk Chambers, Stanford - 29 Max Starks, Florida (OG) - 35 Travelle Wharton, South Carolina - 12 Sean Bubin, Illinois - 24 Shane Olivea, Ohio State - 18 Brian Rimpf, East Carolina - 35 Adrian Jones, Kansas - 17 Stacey Andrews, Mississippi - 15 LBs D.J. Williams Miami (FL) - 21 Karlso Dansby, Auburn - 15 Daryl Smith, Georgia Tech - 13 Teddy Lehman, Oklahoma - 39 Dontarrious Thomas, Auburn - 24 Michael Boulware, Florida State - 24 Kendyll Pope, Florida State - 18 Keyaron Fox, Georgia Tech - 16 Demorrio Williams, Nebraska - 12 Courtney Watson, Notre Dame - 24 Bryan Hickman, Kansas State - 16 Jonathan Vilma, Miami (FL) - 23 Niko Koutouvides, Purdue - 28 Rod Davis, Southern Miss - 18 CBs DeAngelo Hall, Virginia Tech - 23 Chris Gamble, Ohio State - 9 Dunta Robinson, South Carolina - 13 Will Poole, Southern Cal - 14 Ahmad Carroll, Arkansas - 17 Derrick Strait, Oklahoma - 15 Ricardo Colclough, Tusculum - 11 Joey Thomas, Montana State - 19 Nathan Vasher, Texas - 13 Keiwan Ratliff, Florida - 18 Jeremy LeSueur, Michigan - 16 Keith Smith, McNeese State - 17 Vontez Duff, Notre Dame - 16 FS Sean Taylor, Miami (FL) - 10 Matt Ware, UCLA - 22 Stuart Schweigert, Purdue - 28 Jason Shivers, Arizona State - 14 Sean Jones, Georgia - 18 Brandon Everage, Oklahoma - 15 Will Allen, Ohio State - 13 DEs Will Smith, Ohio State - 23 Kenechi Udeze, Southern Cal - 18 Marquise Hill, LSU - 13 Antwan Odom, Alabama - 10 Darrion Scott, Ohio State - 12 Jason Babin, Western Michigan - 22 Isaac Hilton, Hampton - 23 Uyi Osunde, Connecticut - 21 Travis Laboy, Hawaii - 29 Shaun Phillips, Purdue - 17 Bo Schobel, TCU - 27 Andrew Shull, Kansas State - 21 Dave Ball, UCLA - 25 Bobby McCray, Florida - 14 Gabe Nyenhuis, Colorado - 7 DTs Tommie Harris, Oklahoma - 11 Vince Wilfork, Miami (FL) - 10 Marcus Tubbs, Texas - 21 Randy Starks, Maryland - 20 Darnell Dockett, Florida State - 17 Donnell Washington, Clemson - 8 Dwan Edwards, Oregon State - 29 Chad Lavalais, LSU - 10 Igor Olshansky, Oregon - 29 Isaac Sopoaga, Hawaii - 8 Matthias Askew, Michigan State - 10 Tank Johnson, Washington - 16 Darrell Campbell, Notre Dame - 21 Junior Siavii, Oregon - 15 Tim Anderson, Ohio State - 25
posted by dbt302 at 04:49 PM on February 28, 2006
Holy Cow, dbt302! That's what I call thorough. You have changed the Filter into the seive.
posted by THX-1138 at 05:06 PM on February 28, 2006
Well, being a Texas fan, I was about to throw out some smart ass comments about Tommie Harris' score of 11 (since UT fans were always bitter about Harris going to Oklahoma instead of Texas) but then I remembered that our all-american, national title QB scored a 6...... so nevermind.
posted by ksb122 at 05:27 PM on February 28, 2006
I wonder what Lombardi, Namath, Bradshaw, Csonka, the Fridge, Pastorini, Starr, Unitas, Blanda, or any number of the old guard score ( or would have scored) on this test. Is this an accurate measuring stick of NFL ability? Prioritizing and decision making notwithstanding, it all seems a bit arbitrary. As far as I'm concerned, ksb 122, I can't wait to see how Vince impacts, or perhaps doesn't impact, the NFL.
posted by THX-1138 at 05:39 PM on February 28, 2006
We're all waiting for Vince to just get into the league and get on with his career, whatever it may bring. Really, this is just parlor chat until the draft. It may mean something, it may not, but really, this is just a non-scandal to fill the gap between the end of the Winter Olympics and March Madness. Hey, hockey starts again tonight. Which is my cue to move on.
posted by chicobangs at 06:10 PM on February 28, 2006
Bring us a shrubbery, but not a largre one...........nihh, nihh.
posted by kosmicdebris at 06:38 PM on February 28, 2006
Perhaps Grum can make sense out of this. This article presents empirical evidence that within the modern draft era, there exists no statistically significant relationship between intelligence and quarterback performance at either the collegiate or professional level. Likewise, more intelligent quarterbacks are neither selected earlier nor compensated more for their mental abilities.
posted by tselson at 12:06 PM on March 01, 2006
DukeDykstra Hal, it took a bit of mental math for me to figure that one out. What is the method for solving it quickly? Thanks.Here's how:
Well, the first thing is obviously, get rid of the zeroes- so you're dealing with 480 words, with 18 on one page and 24 on another. You could also go a step further like I did and notice that 48, 18, and 24 are all multiple of 6, so you can make that an 80 word article with 3 or 4 words per page. 80 words, 3 words on one page type and 4 words on the other page type- heck that's math anyone should be able to do in their head! But the "trick" is simple for these problems, and you see this type on lots of intelligence-style tests. They tell you that you've used 21 pages. So you simply start by using the least productive method, i.e., large print on all 21 pages, at "3" words per page. That's 21 x 3 words, or only 63 words if we go all large print, no small print. Our article is 80 words long. Therefore, we're 17 words short of meeting our 80 words. Every small print page gives us 1 extra word than a large print page. That's a simple substitution: every time we change a large print page into a small print page, our word count total goes up by 1. So: 17 words=17 pages must be converted to small print to make up the difference. If instead they told us that it was 4 and 6 words per page, and a 90 word article over 21 pages, we could do 4x21 = 84, 6 words left. So swapping in 3 small print pages at 2 each = 6. This is, incidentally, why a lot of these type of tests are bunk, and why I disagree with intelligence tests as a measure of much besides someone's fondness of taking such tests or doing puzzles in general (which is probably a general indicator of above-average intelligence, but not necessarily much more). If you've taken them before, you'll see this style of question- or a very close variant- so frequently you'll quickly recognize it and do what I did above. Any intelligence measured becomes simply a question of how familiar you are with these tests, and how good you are at recognizing a problem of a similar type. If my future Pro Bowl linebacker also had a lifetime subscription to Games magazine and was a whiz at cryptic crosswords, I don't think the Wonderlic is going to tell me much of anything that wasn't obvious already.
- Reduce the numbers to their smallest amount by getting rid of zeroes or dividing by common numbers
- Figure out how much more a small vs. large gives you- the difference is key
- Start at the least 'productive' page/item, figure out how far short that leaves you, and it's a simple problem to solve in your head.
posted by hincandenza at 02:06 AM on March 02, 2006
Sign me up, I'm a football genius!!!