What is an IQ Test
One of the most frequently used method to determine the level of intelligence
in a person is by asking the intelligence questions. The IQ test or Intelligence
Quotient test comprises of such questions which everyone is able to answer, thus
the test is able to determine the intelligence level of a person on the basis of
answers he has given and the numbers he has scored.
IQ
IQ is defined as a ratio of test held between the mental age and
chronological age. This is usually expressed in multiples of hundred. We notice
everyday that some people are more “smart” then others. This is due to the fact
that as we become older the difference between the mental age and the
chronological age increases.
Sometimes it happens that a child is able to perform like someone older in
age than him, while at other times a child’s mental level is similar to someone
younger than him. A French psychologist developed the Binet Simon Test in 1905.
The basis of this test was the fact that some children perform better than the
others. Further research shows that the gap between the chronological age and
mental age increases with time but the ratio between the two factors remains the
same throughout life. This growth finally stops when the child reaches the age
of 16.
IQ Test
IQ test is a test that is conducted to determine the IQ level of an
individual. An individual’s level of smartness is determined on the basis of
scores, scored during the test. If an individual succeeds in getting more then
100 score then he has a higher than average intelligence level and if the score
is below 100 then the IQ level is lower than average. Research has shown that
most of the population scores between 90 and 100 in an IQ test.
General Intelligence Index
This index is most commonly used in psychology or psychometrics to determine
the factors that are common in all the scores of IQ test. An early
psychometrician, Charles Spearman concluded from a research that although
children in same school have different subjects and areas of interest but their
grades are positively correlated with the subject they take. This is due to the
“general” intelligence.
Charles Spearman developed a model which determined the IQ score on basis of
two factors. These factors are as follows:
The mental abilities of an individual play an important role in
making them more skilled at a particular task than others.
The general factor that is at work among every individual.
There are number of modern tests in practice these days. Mostly one or more
than one of these tests are conducted to determine the correct IQ level of an
individual. On average, the score is usually 100 even if the content of the
subtests among the individual tends to disparate. Here are some of the most
commonly used modern tests:
Stanford-Binet IQ test,
Cattell Culture Fair III IQ test,
Raven's Progressive Matrices IQ test,
WISC-R IQ test,
Primary Test of Nonverbal Intelligence
Universal Nonverbal Intelligence Test,
What does IQ Test measure?
Measuring Intelligence has been one of the most debated topics all around the
world. Many thinkers debate that it is not possible to determine the
intelligence level of a person only on the basis of the tests. Jean Piaget says
that these tests may not be the right way to determine the intelligence level of
a person since there is a possibility that he might be better at verbal, logical
or some other form of testing. This has resulted in evolution of more detailed
tests which include logical reasoning, problem solving, adaptation and critical
thinking.
Problems of IQ Tests
Some of the problems associated with IQ tests are listed below:
One of the biggest problems associated with various IQ tests is that
each test gives you a different result and it is impossible to determine
which test is giving the right result and which is giving the wrong one.
Another downside of these tests is that these are greatly affected by
the emotion of the person taking the test. If you are happy and relaxed
then you will give much better results than when you are feeling anxious
or tensed.
The results are also greatly affected by the bias and attitude of the
tester. The IQ level of the tester as well as his qualifications and
instructions are also the major contributor to the results.
Mensa Organization
Mensa is a non-profit organization which was founded in UK in 1946 by an
Australian Barrister. The word Mensa means “Table” depicting a round table of
the equals and comprised of those who had high IQ levels. This was the only
qualification needed for getting a membership of Mensa. This society awards
membership to those with high IQ levels irrespective of the society, race,
background, qualification etc. This way each member is able to interact with
those who are from different cultural and social backgrounds.
When founding this society one of the major problems that were faced was how
to determine which test gave the right answer to the IQ test since each test
gave different scores. Thus it was decided that the percentile of certain tests
would be used. The organization set the minimum percentile to 98th on
certain standardized IQ tests.
This organization is not only working in bringing together people from
different societies but also have many programs such as programs for the gifted
children, scholarship and literacy. At the moment Mensa consists of 100,000
members who belong to different nations. Those who wish to join can do so in two
ways; either by joining their country’s national group of Mensa or those whose
country is not part of the national group can join the Mensa International
divectly.
Our as well as the future of our children depends on these IQ tests. Steps
must be taken to ensure fair evaluation of the IQ tests since these gifted
people can play a major role in solving the problems of the world.