I have noticed that a lot of self taught learners describe uneven IQ profiles, with very strong reasoning scores and weaker performance in areas tied to formal schooling. I see versions of this in myself and in others who learned most things independently.
Does being largely self taught shape score patterns in a noticeable way? Are high reasoning and lower processing speed or memory scores more common among autodidacts? Or is that just selection bias based on who talks about it online?
If you are mostly self taught and have taken an IQ test, did your score profile line up with how you learned growing up?
Self-taught learners may develop strengths in abstract reasoning and novel problem-solving since those are the exact skills required to navigate learning without structured guidance, while processing speed or rote memorization might lag behind simply from less deliberate practice in timed, formal academic settings. In my own experience, I’ve noticed stronger reasoning abilities compared to areas that typically benefit from systematic drilling, though I can’t be certain whether that’s causation or I’m just the type of person drawn to independent learning in the first place.
I think there might be some truth to this, but also major selection bias. Self taught people who hang out in IQ testing communities online are probably already the high reasoning types who enjoy abstract thinking. The autodidacts who learned through pure memorization or imitation might not even be taking these tests. Would love to see actual research on this though