What IQ Tests Measure and How They Are Used

08-01-2025

What IQ Tests Measure and How They Are Used

Of all the techniques that have been developed to measure intelligence, one stands out: the Intelligence Quotient, more commonly known as IQ. It is a standardized test designed to quantify human intelligence free of schooling effects. A typical IQ test consists of a series of questions that are normed against a representative population to obtain an average IQ score of 100.

There are different kinds of tests for the measurement of intelligence. For instance, the Cattell, Stanford-Binet, and Weschler scales all have their particular system of measurement. The studies indicate that mental growth stabilizes at 13 and then slows down and with minimal gains after the age of 18 years.

For children, IQ is calculated by comparing their test performance to standardized age-specific benchmarks. For instance, a 10-year-old scoring as a 12-year-old would have an IQ of 120, calculated as (12 ÷ 10) × 100. In adults, since mental growth stagnates beyond 18, IQ scores are compared against a normalized average of 100, with deviations recorded above or below this mean.

Though it is considered that increasing one's innate IQ in adulthood is not possible, performance on IQ tests does improve with practice. Familiarization with question types and repeating patterns results in higher scores. The continuous exposure to the use of different IQ test formats helps tune the mind and hence achieve higher ratings on IQ by several percentage points.

IQ tests assess a wide range of abilities: verbal, mathematical, spatial, and logical problem-solving skills. It is now believed that the concept of intelligence is complex and multidimensional. Success is not evident by high scores alone. Creativity, artistic talent, practical ability, coupled with ambition, emotional strength, and empathy-can yield great accomplishment even in the averagely intelligent.

IQ testing, together with personality profiling, has become a common tool for employers over the past couple of decades. With tight budgets and slim profit margins, the selection of the right candidate to fill a position has never been so crucial. The cost of recruiting, interviewing, and training can be high; an incorrect hire means one has to repeat the entire process.

It is important to realize that IQ tests make up just one component of psychometric testing, which evaluates many intellectual and emotional characteristics, including personality, attitudes, and emotions. Psychometric tests are devices for measuring aspects of the mind—"psycho" meaning mind and "metric" meaning measure.

Psychometric assessments used by employers include aptitude tests and personality questionnaires. Aptitude tests, also referred to as cognitive, ability, or intelligence tests, are designed to measure one's ability to think, perceive, and process information quickly within a set time limit. These tests give an indication of a person's cognitive capability, which psychologists study to learn more about how people think.

#2 What is Intelligence?

Intelligence is a broad topic that encompasses learning, problem-solving, and adapting capabilities of an individual to his or her environment. It deals with cognitive processes and mental functions that enable an individual to become successful in various walks of life.

Intelligence has been approached by psychologists from a number of perspectives, among them being: the educational approach - one that results from structured learning; the genetic approach - relating to natural adaptation to the prevailing challenges; sociocultural approach, emphasizing culture and society. The regulatory approach shows the use of intelligence in a way as a tool for self-regulation and choice.

Theories about intelligence have expanded over time. In 1983, Howard Gardner introduced the theory of "multiple intelligences", including such aspects as interpersonal and spatial reasoning. In the 1990s, emotional intelligence-or EQ-became widely known. This was described by John Mayer and Peter Salovey as a person's ability to understand and handle feelings. Daniel Goleman popularized EQ with his 1995 book Emotional Intelligence where he stated that a person's EQ was more important than IQ in determining success, particularly in business.

The first IQ tests were devised at the beginning of the 20th century. Wilhelm Stern proposed the term "IQ" in 1912. Since that time, a number of instruments have been elaborated for the assessment of intellectual and creative potentials. Nowadays, one of the most important ways of understanding the strengths and capabilities of the mind is intelligence testing.

The environment should be quiet and free from noise or bright objects that might distract one when set to take an intelligence or cognitive test. Switching off electronic devices and following instructions carefully can help in improving the results.

These tests continue to provide valuable insights into human potential that help individuals and organizations achieve their objectives.