Serial
killers are commonly portrayed in the media as being highly
intelligent (e.g., column by Dr. Joyce Brothers in Seattlpi.com
on 8-14-2007). This portrayal is perhaps due to the media
focusing on serial killers such as Ted Bundy and mythical serial
killers such as Hannibal Lecter (Silence of the Lambs).
►
We were able to obtain IQ information on 202
serialkillers
►
When taken as a whole, serial killers appear to be of normal IQ
●
Median = 89.0, Mean = 95.1
●
Low was 57 (Simon Pirela)
●
High was 165 (Theodore Kaczynski)
- A second IQ testing put him at
155
►
As expected, IQ varied by the type of serial killer
●
Raped victim
Yes: Mean IQ =
94.2
No: Mean IQ = 96.3
●
Method of killing
Stab: Mean IQ
= 96.0
Multiple methods: Mean IQ = 98.0
Strangle: Mean IQ = 97.9
Shoot: Mean IQ = 93.0
Bludgeon: Mean IQ = 86.3
Bomb: Mean IQ = 140.3
●
Motive
Financial Gain: Mean IQ = 90.9
Enjoyment:
Mean IQ = 100.4
Anger: Mean IQ = 101.1
● Type
Organized: Mean IQ = 99.6
Disorganized: Mean IQ = 93.2
►
IQ data are complex as extreme scores are morelikely to be publicized
and there is certainly motivation to score low
(especially below 70)