Differences between males and females in mean IQ and university examination performance in Ireland

The thesis that among adults males have a higher mean IQ than females and perform better at university is examined for Ireland. Evidence is presented from the Irish standardisation sample of the Differential Aptitude Test that among 17–18 yr olds males have a higher mean IQ by 2.60 IQ points. Performance at Irish universities is also examined for approximately 7000 graduates over the years 1991–1993 and it was found that males obtained a significantly greater proportion of first class degrees. It is proposed that the sex difference in mean IQ explains the difference in examination performance.