Ep 2. Are You Smarter Than Average?

AsapSCIENCE is a popular educational YouTube series that presents scientific concepts in an engaging and accessible way. In season 1 episode 2, titled "Are You Smarter Than Average?," hosts Mitchell Moffit and Gregory Brown explore the concept of intelligence and what it means to be "smart."

The episode begins with a quiz that challenges viewers to answer a series of questions on a variety of topics, from pop culture to history to math. Moffit and Brown explain that the quiz is designed to measure "general knowledge," or the accumulation of facts and information that one has acquired over their lifetime.

Using data from a large-scale study conducted by the University of Michigan, the hosts reveal that the average score on the quiz is only 4 out of 10 correct answers. Moffit and Brown explain that this suggests that most people have a relatively low level of general knowledge, which may be surprising given that humans are often considered to be the most intelligent species on the planet.

To explore this idea further, the hosts delve into different types of intelligence and how they are measured. They explain that general knowledge is just one type of intelligence, and that there are many other factors that contribute to overall intelligence. For example, linguistic intelligence involves an aptitude for language and communication, while logical-mathematical intelligence involves an aptitude for logical reasoning and problem-solving.

Moffit and Brown also discuss the concept of emotional intelligence, which involves the ability to recognize, regulate, and express emotions in oneself and others. They explain that this type of intelligence is becoming increasingly recognized as an important factor in both personal and professional success.

Throughout the episode, Moffit and Brown use fun and interactive examples to explore different aspects of intelligence. For example, they conduct an experiment to see if people can correctly identify the emotions being expressed in a series of facial expressions. They also explore the idea of "brain training" through puzzles and games, and discuss whether these types of activities can actually improve a person's cognitive abilities.

Overall, "Are You Smarter Than Average?" is an entertaining and informative exploration of the concept of intelligence. By challenging assumptions about what it means to be "smart," Moffit and Brown encourage viewers to think more deeply about their own abilities and potential for growth.