Intelligence quotient (I.Q.)
"An intelligence quotient or IQ is a score derived form a set of standardized tests developed to measure a person's cognitive abilities ("intelligence") in relation to their age group."
" IQ, a number used to express the relative intelligence of a person."
"IQ test is supposed to gauge how well someone can use information and logic to answer questions or make predictions "
IQ test
IQ tests begin to assess a person's intelligence quotient by measuring their short-term and long-term memory. It also measures how well individuals can solve puzzles or recall information they have heard, as well as how quickly they can complete these activities. There are two main components to the test: verbal and non-verbal.
An IQ test does not measure intelligence the way a ruler measures height (absolutely), but rather the way a race measures speed (relatively).
Modern IQ tests produce scores for different areas (e.g., language fluency, three-dimensional thinking, etc.), with the summary score calculated from subtest scores.
Formula :-
IQ = (Mental age / chronological age ) x 100
History
During the early 1900, the French government asked Binet to help decide which students were most likely to experience difficulty in school. The government had passed laws requiring that all French children attend school, so it was important to find a way to identify children who would need specialized assistance.
Binet and his colleague, Theodore Simon, began developing questions that focused on areas not explicitly taught in schools, such as attention, memory, and problem-solving skills. Using these questions, Binet determined which ones served as the best predictors of school success.
He quickly realized that some children were able to answer more advanced questions that older children were generally able to answer, and vice versa.
Based on this observation, Binet suggested the concept of mental age, or a measure of intelligence based on the average abilities of children of a certain age group.
1.First IQ Test
The first intelligence test, referred to today as the Binet-Simon scale, became the basis for the intelligence tests skill in use today. However, Binet himself did not believe that his psychometric instruments could be used to measure a single, permanent, and inborn level of intelligence.
Binet stressed the limitations of the test, suggesting that intelligence is far too broad a concept to quantify with a single number. Instead, he insisted that intelligence is influenced by many factors, that it changes over time, and that it can only be compared in children with similar backgrounds.
2.Stanford-Binet Intelligence Test
When the Binet-Simon Scale was brought to the United States, it generated considerable interest. Stanford University psychologist Lewis Terman took Binet's original test and standardized it using a sample of American participants. this adapted test, first published in 1916, was called the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale and soon became the standard intelligence test used in the U.S.
The Stanford-Binet intelligence test used a single number, known as the intelligence quotient (IQ), to represent an individual's score on the test. The Stanford-Binet remains a popular assessment tool today, despite going through a number of revisions over the years since its inception.
| IQ's Value | Intellectual Level |
|---|---|
| 140-(>140) | Genius |
| 120-139 | Very Superior |
| 110-119 | Superior |
| 90-109 | Normal |
| 80-89 | Dull Mind |
| 70-79 | Borderline Feebleminded |
| 60-69 | Moren |
| 20-59 | Imbecile |
| 20-(<20) | Idiot |
3.Wechsler Intelligence Scales
Building on the Stanford-Binet test, American psychologist David Wechsler created a new measurement instrument. Much like Binet, Wechsler believed that intelligence involved different mental abilities. Dissatisfied with the limitations of the Stanford-Binet , he published his new intelligence test, known as the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), in 1955.
Wechsler also developed two different tests specifically for use with children:
1.Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) and
2.Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI).
The adult version of the test has been revised since its original publication and is now known as the WAIS-IV.
The WAIS-IV contains 10 subtests, along with five supplemental tests. The test provides scores in four major areas of intelligence: a verbal comprehension scale, a perceptual reasoning Scale, a working memory scale, and a processing speed scale.
The test also provides two broad scores that be used as a summary of overall intelligence. The full-Scale IQ score combines performance on all four index scores, and the General Ability Index is based on six subtest scores.
Note: Subtest score on the WAIS-IV can be useful in identifying learning disabilities, such as cases where a low score in some areas combined with a high score in other areas may indicate that the individual has a specific learning difficulty.
Is IQ important?
this is a difficult question to answer because it depends on what you want it for. Low IQ does'nt mean an individual is unable to have high quality, successful life, and vice versa.
Some people may struggle in one area and have a weakness in one or more types of intelligence which would have having a special education programme at school invaluable for children. By knowing an IQ score, teacher will know how much assistance the child needs and in what specific area or areas. Conversely, some people have a natural gift in certain areas of intelligence. They too would benefit greatly from a specialized education programme that is designed to help extend and develop their minds.
There are many reasons why an IQ score can be of use including but not limited to:
- Assisting with the diagnosis of a child or adult.
- Helping with educational placement and the implementation a suitable education programme for children.
- Helping employers decide if a particular person is suited for a particular job.
Are IQ tests accurate?
One of the most important things to remember is that IQ only measures a person's potential as determined by that particular test on that particular day at that particular point in time.
The test participant may have been feeling unwell that day. They may had a poor night's sleep the previous night, or had an argument on the way to the test. Even not eating breakfast the morning of the test can affect results.
Of course, these are just some examples of things that may impact the results achieved on that particular day.
The reality is that IQ result are usually fairly accurate. The Psychologist conducting the test ensures this by making sure they don't just look at the test score in isolation.
If they are working with a child, for example, they might take into account other factors. These can include the child's prior school performance, family circumstances, or any other contributing and contextual factors.
IQ test results obtained that are very different to what was expected --given all the background information about the child ---would then prompt the psychologist to look more deeply at the possible causes.
Does IQ determine success?
One's intelligence quotient does not necessarily determine success. After all, IQ tests are designed to measure a person's potential. It does not take into account other very important factors like ambition, motivation, opportunity, the ability to think clearly under pressure etc. .
Conclusion
Intelligence quotients ae definitely useful and can be instrumental in clinical practice and education, but it is important to remember what such tests are and aren't good for. An IQ score tells a story but not always the whole story. It can be critical for helping someone on the road to success but not crippling. And it can be informative to know and sometimes unnecessary.
Famous Persons
Physicist Stephen Hawking
When asked his IQ, he replied: "I have no idea. People who boast about their IQ are losers."
