Study: Group Settings Can Diminish Expressions of Intelligence, Especially Among Women (Science Daily, Virginia Tech 1/22/2012)
Finding: Small-group dynamics — such as jury deliberations, collective bargaining sessions, and cocktail parties — can alter the expression of IQ in some susceptible people.
InPower Insight: Smart women sometimes struggle to feel smart in competitive situations where they feel compared to others.
Summary:
Researchers put subjects with equal IQ scores into small groups to participate in competitive activities. Their scores were shared publicly. Smart women participating in these activities performed significantly below the average in these situations.
Neither age nor ethnicity showed a prominent correlation with brain performance. However, while both men and women had equal IQ baselines, fewer women qualified for the high- performing group. “We saw dramatic drops in the ability of some study subjects to solve problems,” researchers said. “The social feedback had a significant effect.”
Career Coaching Tip: Be aware of how you respond in competitive situations and if you find yourself “feeling stupid,” recognize that this feeling may impact your ability to use your natural problem solving skills. Know that you’re as smart as you are and believe in your inherent skills and abilities. Recognize that even if you think differently than others in the group (and that this might disadvantage you in a strictly competitive situation) the group needs your unique contributions. In a collaborative environment, the fact that you’re a woman can make a huge difference, especially if you’re contributing with other women.
Keywords: brain function, social interaction
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