The acronym IQ is short for intelligence quotient. According to Science Daily, IQ is a score derived from a set of standardized tests used to measure a person's cognitive abilities in relation to his age group. The chronological age is divided by the mental age of the individual determined from psychological tests and then multiplied by 100.
History
According to Dr. Jonathan Plucker of Indiana University, cognitive psychologist Lewis Terman developed an intelligence test known as the Stanford-Binet scale in 1906. The test was originally designed by Terman to help classify children and their special educational needs. In 1916, William Stern suggested the intelligence quotient formula to get rid of the decimals. This became the IQ formula known today.
Tests
There are several standardized tests used today to determine IQ. The most popular include Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Stanford-Binet, Woodcock-Johnson III Tests of Cognitive Abilities and the Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children-II. These tests are conducted by psychologists. Online IQ tests are mainly used for entertainment purposes and are not regulated.
Scoring
An IQ score of 100 is considered average intelligence. This means that a person's mental age is the same as their chronological age. A score under 70 indicates that a person is of feeble mind. A score greater than 140 suggests the person has the intelligence level of a genius.
Significance
Intelligence testing aids educators in determining the proper educational requirements for students. Scores can be used to diagnose learning disabilities. Teachers and psychologists can then intervene to meet the student's needs. Scores can also identify students who may need to be challenged with advanced placement courses. The U.S. military also uses intelligence testing to place new recruits in positions that best suit their abilities. Employers may use intelligence testing as a tool to manage their work force.
Considerations
IQ tests do not measure all kinds of intelligence. Intelligence is not black and white, but rather multifaceted, according to developmental psychologist Howard Gardner. Cognitive psychologist Robert Sternberg believes that practical intelligence is a better predictor of people's future job success than traditional IQ tests. According to critics, intelligence tests contain certain biases. It is thought that race, gender, class and culture can affect outcomes of the test.
