‘It’s not rocket science’ and ‘it’s not brain surgery’ are phrases regularly used to say that you do not think that something is very difficult to do or to understand.
But a new study suggests that rocket science and brain surgery may not be so difficult after all.
Researchers from UCL looked at the intelligence of rocket scientists and brain surgeons, and compared these professions to the general public.
Their findings indicate that contrary to popular belief, aerospace engineers and neurosurgeons have similar levels of intelligence to the general population.
‘It is possible that both neurosurgeons and aerospace engineers are unnecessarily placed on a pedestal and that “It’s a walk in the park” or another phrase unrelated to careers might be more appropriate,’ the researchers wrote in their study, published in The BMJ.
‘Other specialties might deserve to be on that pedestal, and future work should aim to determine the most deserving profession.’
Their findings indicate that contrary to popular belief, aerospace engineers (stock image) and neurosurgeons have similar levels of intelligence to the general population
In their study, the team compared the intelligence of 329 aerospace engineers, 72 neurosurgeons and 18,257 members of the general population.
Participants completed an online test to measure distinct aspects of intelligence, including planning and reasoning, working memory, attention and emotion processing.
Other factors that may influence intelligence were taken into account, including gender, handedness and experience in their speciality.
Neurosurgeons (stock image) were able to solve problems faster than the general public, but showed a slower memory recall speed
The results revealed that aerospace engineers and neurosurgeons were equally matched across most aspects, although aerospace engineers were found to be better at mental manipulation abilities, and neurosurgeons were better at semantic problem solving.
When their results were compared to the general public, aerospace engineers did not show significant differences in any aspects of intelligence.
Neurosurgeons, meanwhile, were able to solve problems faster than the general public, but showed a slower memory recall speed.
Overall, the findings suggest that the ‘it’s not rocket science’ and ‘it’s not brain surgery’ stereotypes do not ring true.
‘Despite these stereotypes, and the higher proportion of males, aerospace engineers and neurosurgeons vary in their cognitive aptitudes as does the general population,’ the researchers added.
‘Our results highlight the further efforts required to widen access to these specialities to mitigate impending staff shortages and ensure a diverse workforce to drive future innovation.’
