The Perception of Smartness in American Culture: Physicists vs. Economists and Historians

In American culture, there exists a popular perception that physicists are smarter than economists or historians. This notion is partly supported by data on the average IQs of people applying to various graduate programs. According to a list compiled for 104 fields of study, physicists and related disciplines consistently rank among the highest.

Ranking of Average IQs by Field

Here is a comprehensive look at the top-ranked fields based on average IQs of their applicants:

Rank Field Average IQ 1 Physics 113 2 Classical Language 112 3 History of Science 112 4 Astrophysics 112 5 Mathematics 112 6 Atomic Physics 112 7 Solid State Physics 111 8 Biophysics 111 9 Classics 111 10 Planetary Science 111 11 Physics Other 111 15 Chemistry Physical 109 16 Nuclear Physics 109 17 Optics 109 23 Economics 109 58 European History 104 71 Art history 103 75 American History 102 102 Criminal Justice/Criminology 92 103 Social Work 92 104 Physical Education 91

As you can see, seven out of the top 11 fields are physics-related, with History of Science ranking at number 3. Economics, which draws a lot of public critique for its imprecise predictions, ranks at 23. The fields of study that bring up the rear include criminal justice, social work, and physical education, all of which generally require higher cognitive abilities.

Popular Culture and Intelligence Stereotypes

Despite the data suggesting higher intelligence levels in physicists, this does not mean that popular culture has no impact. In TV shows, movies, and other media, a unique and often exaggerated portrayal of scientists serves to reinforce certain stereotypes. For example, the popular image of a physicist often depicts someone as a brilliant, albeit half-crazy, eccentric. Think of characters like Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory. Alternatively, a typical physicist might be portrayed as someone ingenious who can build radios out of coconuts and tuna cans, like the Gilligan’s Island Professor.

These caricatures are far from reality, but they might contribute to the perception that physicists are smarter. In contrast, the popular image of an economist might be someone who claims certainty about the effects of various policies when, in fact, their track record is barely better than flipping a coin. For historians, the image is often that of an eccentric and interesting figure who delves into niche and specialized knowledge that is often irrelevant to a general audience.

Reality vs. Stereotype

Both stereotypical depictions are not entirely accurate. Scientists, including physicists, mathematicians, and other scientists, are known for admitting their mistakes and correcting them. In physics, when calculations are incorrect, the results are not just inconvenient; they could lead to catastrophic errors. When physicists are wrong, they admit it, and the scientific community moves on.

Conversely, in economics and history, cleverness, politicking, and personality can sometimes overshadow real intelligence. Economists often make bold claims about policy outcomes without a substantial track record of accuracy. Similarly, historians might argue over viewpoints for centuries without reaching a consensus. Additionally, both these fields are less inclined to admit error, which can contribute to the public perception that these are less rigorous disciplines.

Ultimately, the perception of physicists as smarter than economists or historians is a complex mix of reality and stereotype. While the data shows that physicists tend to have higher IQs, the portrayal in popular culture does influence how these fields are perceived by the public.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the perception of physicists as smarter than economists or historians is rooted in a combination of data on intelligence levels, the reliability of scientific methods, and popular culture stereotypes. Understanding these nuances can help bridge the gap between public perception and reality, ensuring that all fields receive the recognition they deserve based on the actual intelligence and rigor they require.