Men are smarter (and more stupid) than women, say scientists

Now a study has revealed that the male of the species is actually more intelligent - but he's more stupid as well.

When scientists measured the intelligence of more than 2,500 brothers and sisters, they found a disproportionate number of men in both the top 2 per cent and the bottom 2 per cent.

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There were twice as many men as women in the smartest group. But there were also twice as many men among the dunces.

The subjects were tested on science, maths, English and mechanical abilities.

The average scores of the men were virtually identical to that of the women.

One of the study's authors, psychology professor Timothy Bates, said the phenomenon may have its roots in society's expectations for the sexes. Men have long been expected to be high achievers, while women were expected to base their lives around the home.

Professor Bates, of Edinburgh University, said: "The female developmental programme may be tilted more towards ensuring survival and the safety of the middle ground."

The research tallies with past findings that men at university were more likely than women to receive first class degrees or thirds - while women tended to achieve seconds.

The argument was always that men were more likely to take risks with their academic arguments, which could either be successful or fail dismally. Women, it was suggested, were more steady in their learning.

Seven years ago, however, a study of British universities indicated that women were achieving more first and upper seconds than men. Men, however continued to get more thirds.

Some believe the change is due to the increase of coursework at the expense of exams, which favours women's steady approach.