Intelligence in Bali — A case study on estimating mean IQ for a population using various corrections based on theory and empirical findings

A high-quality estimate of the mean IQ of a country requires giving a well-validated test to a nationally representative sample, which usually is not feasible in developing countries. So, we used a convenience sample and four corrections based on theory and empirical findings to arrive at a good-quality estimate of the mean IQ in Bali. Our study used N = 50 Balinese (age between 7 and 46 years, M = 16.86) who took the Standard Progressive Matrices. Correcting for caste membership, school attendance, age distribution, and FLynn-effect gains resulted for the entire Balinese population in an IQ of 79, for adults of 75, and for children of 84. The validity of results is discussed.

► The SPM test was applied in a sample of N = 50 Balinese (age between 7 and 46 years). ► Results were corrected for caste, education, age, and FLynn-effect. ► Estimated IQs were 84 for children, 75 for adults, 79 for the entire population.