True or false: Walter is taller than Scott, and Scott's little brother is taller than Roger.

判断正误：Walter比Scott高，而Scott的弟弟又比Roger高。

Since Walter is not the tallest one of the four, then Scott's little brother must be tallest.

由于Walter不是这四个人中最高的一个，那么Scott的弟弟就一定是最高的了。

Confusing?

晕了吗？

It's meant to be.

很正常。

This is the sort of question you might encounter on an IQ test.

这是你在做智商测试时很有可能遇到的一种问题。

IQ tests measure a specific kind of intelligence called cognitive ability, meaning the ability to solve problems and grasp concepts.

智商测试衡量一种称为认知能力的特殊智力，意为解决问题与理解概念的能力。

A typical test measures things such as reasoning skills, problem-solving capacity, and memory.

典型的智商测试衡量的是判断力，解决问题的能力与记忆力等。

The score you receive rates your cognitive ability compared to the general population.

代表着你的认知能力水平的测试分数将与大众分数做比较。

A score between 90 and 110 indicates average intelligence, while a score above 130 indicates exceptional intelligence.

介于90与110分之间的分数表明测试者的智商处于中等水平，高于130的分数表明测试者的智商超乎常人。

A score below 70 may indicate mental retardation.

低于70的分数则表明被测者智力低下。

You might object, isn't intelligence a matter of one's environment?

也许你会反驳说，人的智商不是应该与环境有关系吗？

To the contrary, say many psychologists who believe that there is a general factor of intelligence that has more to do with biology than with environment.

正相反，很多心理学家更偏向于相信智商是与一个人的生活规律有关而非生活环境。

Although culture plays a role in modifying intelligence, according to these psychologists, people are born with varying levels of cognitive ability.

据这些心理学家所说，尽管文化在改善人的智力因素中起着作用，但人生来就有不同程度的认知能力。

In short, some people are smarter than others.

简而言之，有些人生来就比其他人聪明。

If this strikes you as unfair, fear not.

如果这个事实让你感到不公平，不必害怕。

Many scientists reject the notion of generalized intelligence, arguing instead that people have only collections of abilities to perform various specific tasks.

很多科学家反对广义智力的概念，而是认为人们只有掌握了各种能力才能去处理不同的任务。

Furthermore, intelligence may be measured in various ways, including creativity, imagination, and empathy.

此外，智商还可以采用其他方式进行测量，包括创造力，想象力还有同情心。

So if you're better at telling stories than solving story problems, take heart.

所以说，如果你擅长讲故事而非解决问题，也不必介意。

You're not dumb, just intelligent in a way not measured by IQ.

你并不笨，只是你所拥有的智力无法用测量智商的方法测出来而已。