Every now and then, the public is treated to an example of a seemingly intelligent public figure making a very poor decision, proving that those who have a high IQ are just like everyone else.

BNET, The CBS Interactive Business Network, recently took a look at a few reasons why intelligent people do things that make them seem anything but. For example, the news source states that these individuals may be so close to a particular situation that they lack perspective. In other circumstances, their feelings can override their logic. While some believe that behavior and reasoning go hand-in-hand, this is not always the case.

Then, there are the poor decisions that are made as a result of flawed assumptions or limited data, the news outlet reported. Both factors can play a role in leading intelligent people astray, even if sound logic is involved.

Mark Smaller, a Chicago psychoanalyst, told MSNBC that oftentimes, sensible people compartmentalize what can be considered poor behavior so that they do not feel any guilt over what they are doing.

People who feel they are intelligent, but make bad decisions from time to time, may want to see how well they do on an IQ test.