And you, what is your favorite color? This question, often posed by children, could have real utility … even in the adult world. Indeed, according to a study, our favorite color would say a lot about our personality. And a particular shade would seem to bring together the most enlightened minds. Is it yours?
A cold color, associated with the highest IQs
The Korean study in question, carried out in 2022 and entitled “Intelligence and color preference: is there an association?”looked at the link between chromatic preferences and intelligence. The 900 participating students were questioned about their favorite color, then submitted to the Progressive RAVEN’s test matrices, a tool recognized to assess the intellectual quotient (QI).
The results are clear: people with higher IQ show a clear preference for cold colors – and especially for blue. A statistically significant correlation was observed between intelligence and choice of color.
The researchers point out that:
- Blue is the color most chosen by subjects with the highest IQs;
- Hot colors, like red and orange, are more acclaimed by people with weak or medium scores.
Blue, flagship color of shiny minds
Blue is not just a soothing shade. It is also, according to this study, the favorite color of individuals with an IQ greater than the average.
“”We observed that the participants who obtained the highest scores in the intelligence test showed a marked preference for cold colors, especially blue“Specify the authors.
This choice would not be trivial. Blue often evokes calm, stability and reflection – features frequently associated with analytical personalities. The study goes further: it suggests a cognitive connection between the processing of visual stimuli and certain brain structures involved in problem solving.
According to the researchers, blue – a color with short waves – attracts introspective minds, turned towards interior reflection. Philosophically, he embodies order, resilience and self -control: as many qualities that we associate with cognitive and emotional intelligence. It would also be a good indicator of emotional stability, essential for stress management.
Bright colors: more emotion than reflection?
Conversely, participants in weaker scores show a marked preference for bright and warm colors, such as red or orange, which stimulate immediate emotional excitement. Pink and yellow, on the other hand, are widely acclaimed by people with average IQ.
An answer influenced by culture and emotion
If the link between intelligence and chromatic preference seems established, the authors remain cautious:
“”It is important to note that color preferences are also influenced by emotional, psychological and cultural factors. “
Thus, if blue can be perceived as soothing in certain cultures, it can also evoke melancholy or austerity in others.
The study therefore highlights a general trend, but in no case an absolute truth. The environment, education, or even personal experiences strongly influence our perception of colors. This is why the authors recommend continuing research in other countries, with more diverse populations, in order to refine the results.
A new track for visual cognitive psychology
Beyond personal preferences, this study opens an original field of reflection in the field of visual cognitive psychology. She raises a fascinating question: are our aesthetic tastes innate or acquired? And to what extent do they reflect deep cognitive processes?
For researchers: “It is possible that people at high Qi have a particular sensitivity to certain types of contrasts, brightness or emotional associations conveyed by cold colors.“”
But they want to qualify: “It is not because you like blue that you are gifted. It is the set of preferences, and their consistency with other cognitive features, which counts.“”