An intelligence quotient, commonly referred to as IQ is a test that many people take to find out about their cognitive ability. It is defined as the total score to assess human intelligence by means of several-designed standardized test. This generally refers to the attribute of intelligence in terms of quickness of mental comprehension (or mental agility).
Most people tend to confuse intelligence with knowledge, wisdom, memory, or other attributes in general, instead it has a variety of meanings depending on the context in which it is used. The psychologist William Stern coined the abbreviation “IQ”. There are many standard IQ tests used across the world. On most intelligence tests, average IQ score is 100, but some tests give different numerical values required for entry into Mensa.
What does an IQ test measure?
The IQ test consist of various questions designed to measure cognitive ability including short-term memory, mathematical ability, analytical thinking, and spatial recognition. It measure your capacity to learn things and retain them for the longest time in your memory. In general, IQ tests measures your ability to solve abstract problems that do not hinge upon skills and knowledge you've learned in the past. This part of your intelligence was always believed to be fixed.
Researchers engaged in a long debate on what IQ tests actually measure, and whether average variances in IQ scores--such as those between diverse ethnic groups--reflect any differences in intelligence of a particular group.
How is an IQ score obtained?
While many tests go for a similar method to derive test scores, it is also imperative to note that each test is conducted differently and scoring methods vary from one test to another. They approach may not be the same for every test.
Generally, IQ scores are calculated by dividing a person's mental age score, by the person's chronological age (expressed in years and months). The outcome of test is obtained by running an intelligence test. The resulting fraction is multiplied by 100 to obtain the IQ score.
A score that lies between 90 and 110, or the median plus or minus 10, indicates average intelligence. A score that exceeds130 indicates exceptional intelligence and a score below 70 may hint towards mental retardation.
What’s the layout of a typical IQ test?
A typical IQ test is designed to check all the aspects of a person’s mental ability. It calls for assessing a person’s intelligence and solve problems that are not part of your routine.
Many IQ tests follow a standard design. The basic layout of an IQ test include mathematical questions, statistical analysis, language ability (this includes the ability to complete sentences or recognize words when letters have been rearranged or removed), the ability to visualize manipulation of shapes, and the ability to recall things presented either visually known as memory ability.
Questions in each of these categories test a specific cognitive ability, though many psychologists hold the belief that they also indicate general intellectual ability.
