Serial Killer IQ

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 107 serial killers

► When taken as a whole, serial killers appear to be of normal IQ
     ● Median = 100, Mean = 101
     ● 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 = 98.8
          No: Mean IQ = 105.0

     ● Method of killing
          Hands (strangle, stab): Mean IQ = 100.3
          Shoot: Mean IQ = 101.5
          Bomb: Mean IQ = 138

     ● Organized versus disorganized
          Organized: Mean IQ = 123.2
          Disorganized: Mean IQ = 93.5
          Mixed: Mean IQ = 107.6

► IQ data are complex as extreme scores are more likely to be publicized
and there is certainly motivation to score low (especially below 70)

	Serial Killer Information Center Serial Killer I.Q.
► Project Description ► Serial Killer Demographics ► Serial Killer IQ ► Serial Killer Birth Order ► Serial Killer Childhood ► Serial Killer Criminal History ► Serial Killer Types ► Serial Killer Timelines	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 107 serial killers ► When taken as a whole, serial killers appear to be of normal IQ ● Median = 100, Mean = 101 ● 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 = 98.8 No: Mean IQ = 105.0 ● Method of killing Hands (strangle, stab): Mean IQ = 100.3 Shoot: Mean IQ = 101.5 Bomb: Mean IQ = 138 ● Organized versus disorganized Organized: Mean IQ = 123.2 Disorganized: Mean IQ = 93.5 Mixed: Mean IQ = 107.6 ► IQ data are complex as extreme scores are more likely to be publicized and there is certainly motivation to score low (especially below 70)
Information on this page was last updated on January 24, 2010
Dr. Mike Aamodt ● Department of Psychology ● Radford University ● Radford, VA 24142-6946 (540) 831-5513 ● maamodt@radford.edu