The Rubik's Cube is probably one of the world's most popular brain teasers. It has taken an important place in modern culture, so much so that today about 500 million toys have been sold since its introduction. But we know very well that the Rubik's Cube is not just a colorful toy, even if it has an educational effect. It is a unique 3D puzzle, which has already become a well-recognized symbol of high intelligence.
But does it look like that? 🤔
The classic 3x3 cube has more than 43 quintillion different combinations and not every average person will be able to figure out how to assemble its colored faces. We at CerebrumIQ decided to find out what IQ scores will ensure success in solving the Rubik's Cube and whether will they do it at all.
The Mystery of the Rubik's Cube's Popularity
Invented by sculptor and architecture professor Ernö Rubik, the “magic cube” was just a visual aid in three-dimensional geometry for curious students of the genius teacher. But as soon as the architect patented the toy, sales of the legendary Rubik's cube began worldwide.
It is hard to imagine the speed of popularization and success of the brain teaser. Already in the 2000s, this event has grown into a large-scale phenomenon of speedcubing - assembling Rubik's cubes at a fast pace. The last world record of 3.13 seconds was set a year ago by Max Park.
We can not know what level of IQ was his talented inventor because in those days there were not yet modern advanced IQ tests that were available to all users. But for example, the intelligence quotient of the last champion we know exactly and it amounted to 112 points. This index is better than medium but certainly does not demonstrate genius. Is it so necessary for a person to have a highly developed intellect to assemble this mysterious Rubik's Cube?
Efforts to Find Correlations Between IQ Levels and the Ability to Complete a Rubik's Cube
Until today there are no focused studies that would reveal the exact connection between the IQ levels and the skill to solve the classic Rubik's cube without any manuals.
It would be difficult to do this also because a lot of instructions and step-by-step algorithms fill forums and social networks. Today, almost everyone even a low level of intelligence can learn the stages of assembly of the cube block and do it faster and more nimble than even geniuses🤓 who find the solution on their own.
So the current champions who pass IQ testing show rather average results. However, on specialized forums there is an opinion that independently unlocking three-dimensional brain teasers can be a person with an IQ of no less than in the range of 130-150 points. According to the standardized scale, such scores can boast only less than 3% of people on the planet who are true geniuses.
What Intellectual Skills Are Essential for Solving a Rubik's Cube
From the variety of cognitive qualities of the human brain, we can identify key ones that play a primary role in a person's ability to solve puzzles like the Rubik's Cube:
- Analytical Thinking 🤔
the foundation of this skill is the mind's ability to break down complex problems into simpler ones and achieve better results in the finals. Thinking through strategies becomes crucial for even the most talented players. Without logical analysis and sequencing, it is impossible to even understand how ready-made algorithms work, not to create your unique ways of completing a Rubik's Cube. - Spatial Perception 🌌
being one of the world's most complex three-dimensional puzzles Rubik's Cube assembly is impossible without developed spatial thinking. The skill of full visualization of the volumetric puzzle in thoughts gives a chance to correctly anticipate the results of actions and their effects on the whole structure of the complex design. - Memory and Attention ⚠️
to successfully solve the problem of the jigsaw puzzle you will have to use the full potential of attentiveness and memorization of steps. Focus on tasks and steps will improve with each training session, and short-term memory has never received such stimulation before.
Summing it up
In search of an answer to the question about the level of IQ of a person who can solve the Rubik's Cube without help, we can not find unambiguous figures. On the one hand, it is unlikely to be possible for a person who does not possess exceptional talent or even genius. But looking at the situation from another perspective, we see that persistent efforts, training of cognitive abilities, step-by-step elaboration of strategies and adjustment of ways of solving problems, can open even a person with a slightly above-average intelligence the way to mastering the Rubik's Cube.