Can a test be too smart for the job? The strange history of Wonderlic
In short: Created in 1936 to streamline hiring, the Wonderlic test measures cognitive ability through a rapid-fire 12-minute assessment. While once a staple for the NFL and corporate giants, its legacy is defined by both its widespread adoption and a famous legal battle where a candidate was rejected for scoring too high.
Developed by Eldon F. Wonderlic while a graduate student at Northwestern University, the test was the first short-form cognitive assessment. It was designed to gauge problem-solving, math, and reasoning skills by challenging applicants to answer 50 questions in just 12 minutes. Historically, it was so rigorous that only about two to five percent of average groups could finish within the time limit. By the 1940s, major companies like AT&T and Oscar Mayer were using it to aid hiring, and the U.S. Navy utilized it during World War II to select pilot and navigation candidates.
The test's reputation for measuring intelligence led to its most peculiar moment in 1997. Robert Jordan, an applicant for the New London, Connecticut police force, was rejected because his score of 33 was deemed too high; the city preferred candidates scoring between 20 and 27. Jordan sued, arguing his rejection violated the Equal Protection Clause. The court ultimately dismissed the case, ruling that while the policy might have been unwise, it was not unconstitutional. This incident highlighted the test's role as a gatekeeper, though its scientific validity has been debated by researchers who argue it may be less effective for high-ability individuals.
Over the decades, the Wonderlic has evolved from a standalone cognitive test into broader digital platforms like Wonderlic Select, which incorporate personality and motivation assessments. Despite its longevity, the test has faced scrutiny regarding the consistency of its various forms. Studies from the 1950s by researchers like Kazmier and Browne suggested that different versions were not always equivalent in difficulty. Today, while meta-analyses continue to show correlations between scores and performance in academic and professional settings, modern industrial psychologists often advocate for multi-factor approaches that look beyond cognitive ability alone to better predict workplace success.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Wonderlic test
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/culture-wonderlic-test.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Festivals & celebrations · More in Cultures · Latest · A–Z · All topics
