How Does An IQ Test Work?
The IQ (Intelligence Quotient) Test is regarded as one of the most reliable behavioral tests ever conceived. Such tests are usually designed to assess individuals' intellectual levels and identify their potential by determining their cognitive abilities.
Since their origin, various IQ tests have been designed to identify intellectual potential as well as mental sub-normality in individuals.
The first IQ tests were officially conducted in the early 1900s in the US. The purpose of these tests was to evaluate the intellectual abilities of school children and assess the mental health of patients.
Types of IQ tests
Most IQ tests have been designed specifically for children. The first IQ test was developed by French Researchers Alfred Binet and Theodore Simon in 1904 on the behest of the French Government. The purpose of the Simon-Binet test was to segregate the mentally challenged pupils from the intelligent but lazy children.
Since then, multiple IQ test formats have been developed with similar patterns but varying contents. Some of the commonly used IQ tests include the Stanford-Binet Intelligence scale (a direct derivative of the original Simon-Binet scale), the Woodcock-Johnson test of Cognitive Abilities, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, and Kauffman Assessment Battery for Children.
How does the test work
A standard IQ test, like the Stanford-Binet test, is designed to measure intelligence based on five cognitive ability factors. These factors include knowledge, reasoning, working memory, quantitative reasoning, and visual-spatial processing.
A specific weightage is allotted to each of the five factors, whereby the verbal and non-verbal responses are accounted for. A cumulative score is calculated at the end of the test, which is converted into a ratio we generally refer to as the IQ or intelligence quotient.
Generally, these tests are administered by professional examiners and consist of a series of tests and subtests designed to assess the cognitive ability factors mentioned above. While a comprehensive test may take over an hour, there are shorter versions of these tests, which constitute fewer cognitive ability factors but do offer a general idea about the individuals’ mental capabilities.
The general idea is that a person scoring high on one factor would also score high on the other factor. Online IQ tests are a good example. The average score of most IQ tests is 100 (+/- 15). So a person securing a score along these lines will be considered to have an average IQ compared to the general population taking the test. Visit also our site to learn more about iq test online.











