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Think You Can Match Serial Killers to Their IQs?

From John Wayne Gacy to Ed Gein: Guess Their IQs Now!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration on teal background for quiz matching serial killer names to IQ scores

This quiz helps you guess serial killers' IQs by matching well‑known names to their reported scores. For each question, you see a name and choose the most likely score - play for fun. When you're done, explore more true‑crime trivia too.

What IQ score is most commonly attributed to Ted Bundy?
150
128
136
120
Ted Bundy was known for his high intelligence and charisma, both of which aided him in evading capture for years. Many sources cite his IQ as 136, placing him well above average in cognitive ability. His educational background and ability to manipulate social situations further support this reported score. .
Which IQ score is associated with John Wayne Gacy?
109
121
135
98
John Wayne Gacy was evaluated by psychologists after his arrest, and his IQ was measured at 109. This score is just above the average range, reflecting typical cognitive functioning. His case demonstrates that criminal behavior does not necessarily correlate with extreme intellectual deficits. .
What was the reported IQ of Aileen Wuornos?
105
70
98
81
Aileen Wuornos had a reported IQ of 81, which falls into the below-average range. Her challenging upbringing and learning difficulties were documented during psychological evaluations. This lower score helps explain some of the literacy and comprehension struggles she experienced. .
Henry Lee Lucas was documented to have which IQ score?
85
110
100
93
Henry Lee Lucas underwent several psychological assessments, and his IQ was recorded as 93. This places him slightly below the average range but still within normal limits. His complex confession patterns and mental health history were closely analyzed after his capture. .
What IQ score was Peter Sutcliffe, known as the Yorkshire Ripper, reported to have?
76
108
94
130
Peter Sutcliffe's IQ was measured at 94 during psychological evaluations in prison. This score is slightly below the mean but still indicates normal intellectual functioning. His mental state and IQ were both factors in his trial and conviction. .
Edmund Kemper, the "Co-Ed Killer," had which reported IQ?
145
120
134
129
Edmund Kemper scored an exceptionally high IQ of 134, indicating superior intelligence. Psychologists have noted that his intellectual abilities were paired with extreme aggression and violent tendencies. His case is often cited in studies about the interplay of high intelligence and psychopathy. .
What IQ is attributed to Jeffrey Dahmer?
120
158
145
132
Jeffrey Dahmer was reported to have an IQ of 145, placing him in the highly intelligent range. His ability to plan and evade detection for years reflects strong cognitive skills. Researchers often reference his case when exploring intelligence coupled with severe antisocial behavior. .
Which IQ score corresponds to Richard Ramirez, the "Night Stalker"?
112
98
124
140
Richard Ramirez had an IQ of 112 based on prison evaluations, which is above average. His criminal pattern suggested competent planning and knowledge of criminal tactics. This IQ reflects moderate intellectual functioning in the above-average range. .
Albert DeSalvo, the Boston Strangler, reportedly had what IQ?
140
115
106
129
Albert DeSalvo's IQ was assessed at 129, indicating well above average intelligence. His case illustrates that high cognitive ability can coexist with deeply disturbed behavior. Psychiatrists studied his background and intellect during his incarceration. .
David Berkowitz, known as the "Son of Sam," was reported to have which IQ score?
100
126
88
115
David Berkowitz's IQ was measured at 100, placing him right at the population mean. This suggests average intellectual functioning, despite the elaborate letters and taunting he sent to police. His profile is often examined in criminal psychology studies. .
What IQ score did Dennis Rader, the BTK Killer, achieve?
118
105
133
147
Dennis Rader scored an IQ of 133, indicating superior intelligence. His ability to maintain a double life and evade detection for decades highlights his cunning and planning skills. Psychologists reference his case for insights into organized offenders. .
Ed Gein, whose crimes inspired fictional killers, had which reported IQ?
110
68
82
95
Ed Gein's IQ was measured at 82, which is in the below-average range. His mental health struggles and social isolation were noted by professionals during evaluations. Gein's case influenced many horror stories and films due to the gruesome nature of his crimes. .
Gary Ridgway, the Green River Killer, had what IQ score?
140
126
102
110
Gary Ridgway's IQ was assessed at 126, placing him in the above-average intelligence range. His meticulous methods and long evasion of law enforcement reflect his planning capabilities. Criminal profilers often examine his intelligence in organized serial offenses. .
What IQ score is commonly cited for Andrei Chikatilo, the Russian serial killer?
142
130
119
128
Andrei Chikatilo was reported to have an IQ of approximately 130, reflecting high intelligence. Despite this, his crimes were brutal and spanned decades before his arrest. His case underscores that elevated IQ does not preclude extreme violence. .
Theodore Kaczynski, known as the Unabomber, scored what IQ?
150
167
180
142
Ted Kaczynski had an IQ of 167, placing him in the genius category. His academic achievements and early career as a mathematician support this high score. His manifesto and bomb-building skills further demonstrate his intellectual capacity. .
Richard Kuklinski, the "Iceman," was reported to have which IQ?
96
110
82
125
Richard Kuklinski's IQ was measured at 96, which is close to the average range. Despite an average score, he was known for his adaptability and methodical approach to murder. His nickname 'Iceman' reflects his technique of freezing victims to obscure time of death. .
John Allen Muhammad, one of the D.C. snipers, had which IQ?
140
115
127
102
John Allen Muhammad was assessed with an IQ of 127, indicating above-average intelligence. His ability to plan coordinated sniper attacks over weeks highlights his strategic thinking. His case is studied in behavioral analysis for organized violent crime. .
Robert Berdella, the "Butcher of Kansas City," scored which IQ?
86
98
112
120
Robert Berdella's IQ was recorded at 98, which is just below the population average. Despite this, his crimes involved detailed planning and torture. His psychological profile highlights that moderate intelligence can still facilitate complex criminal behavior. .
John George Haigh, the "Acid Bath Murderer," had which reported IQ?
125
138
143
117
John George Haigh was reported to have an IQ of 125, showing above-average intelligence. His ability to deceive victims and dispose of remains in acid demonstrates cunning and planning. His trial included extensive psychiatric and intelligence assessments. .
What IQ score is attributed to William Bonin, the "Freeway Killer"?
76
88
101
110
William Bonin's IQ was measured at 88, indicating below-average intelligence. His crimes were opportunistic and less reliant on long-term planning compared to other serial offenders. Psychological evaluations discussed his impulsivity and social dysfunction. .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Understand IQ in Serial Killer Profiles -

    Define the concept of the iq of serial killers and how intelligence is measured within criminal psychology contexts.

  2. Recognize Famous Killers' IQ Scores -

    Identify notable figures like John Wayne Gacy, Ed Gein, and Dennis Rader along with their respective iq scores.

  3. Analyze Intelligence-Crime Correlations -

    Examine patterns between serial killers' IQ scores and their behaviors to gain insights into criminal psychology.

  4. Compare IQ Variations Among Notorious Criminals -

    Match and contrast the iq serial killers such as John Wayne Gacy, Ed Gein, and Dennis Rader to understand differences in cognitive profiles.

  5. Recall Key Criminal Psychology Facts -

    Memorize important details about serial killers' backgrounds, methods, and iq statistics to bolster your true crime knowledge.

  6. Evaluate Quiz Performance on True Crime IQ -

    Review your quiz results to pinpoint strengths and gaps in your understanding of serial killers' intelligence metrics.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Understanding IQ Scores -

    IQ tests like the WAIS (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale) use a bell curve with a mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 15 (American Psychological Association, 2019). Remember the "100±15" rule to quickly gauge where a score falls: within one SD of 100 is average, two SDs is gifted or below-average. This foundation helps you interpret any serial killer's IQ in context.

  2. Average IQ Range of Serial Killers -

    A 2009 Journal of Forensic Sciences study found most serial killers score between 85 and 115, mirroring the general population distribution. This dispels the myth that killers are either geniuses or profoundly impaired - they tend to cluster around the average range. Use the "85 - 115" span as your mental yardstick when matching names to numbers.

  3. Case Study: John Wayne Gacy vs. Dennis Rader -

    John Wayne Gacy's IQ was assessed at 109, reflecting slightly above-average reasoning (FBI Behavioral Analysis Unit, 2006); in contrast, BTK killer Dennis Rader scored 136, placing him in the "very superior" category (Criminal Behavior and Mental Health Journal, 2012). Comparing these highlights how individual cognitive profiles can vary widely, even within the same crime category. Mnemonic tip: "Gacy's 109, Rader's refined 136."

  4. Case Study: Ed Gein and Test Reliability -

    Ed Gein's IQ was reported around 104 by Wisconsin psychiatric evaluators, but test-retest reliability can affect results (Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic, 1958). Always consider that factors like stress or mental state during testing can skew scores by ±5 - 7 points. Keep reliability margins in mind when you see single-point differences in quiz options.

  5. Interpreting IQ in Criminal Profiling -

    Criminal psychologists use IQ alongside personality and behavioral assessments to build profiles (APA Handbook of Forensic Psychology, 2016). An IQ score alone doesn't predict violence, but it informs investigators about an individual's problem-solving and planning abilities. Try the acronym "PIP: Profiling Integrates IQ & Personality" to remember this multi-factor approach.

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