Measuring IQ based on test scores is not correct. However, intelligence is difficult to measure, since it is an unobservable aspect, in the same way as personality, love, among others. For this reason, some researchers have created several intelligence tests, the best known being the work of Wechsler: WPPSI (from 2 years to 7), WISC (from 6 to 16 years) and the WAIS (from 16 years old). We investigate all this in this Psychology-Online article: IQ: what it is, how it is measured, test and average value.
What is IQ?
The intelligence quotient, also called IQ, is known as that number that allows measuring the intellectual capacity (or intelligence) of people and is obtained by carrying out an evaluation. The evaluation is always adapted according to the age of the individuals and, therefore, the result varies as people grow and depending on the age of the exact moment in which it is evaluated, even taking into account the months (example: 22 years and 5 months). In this sense, to more comprehensively understand the meaning of IQ, it is important to know the concept “intelligence.”
What is intelligence
Intelligence is characterized by being a skill set (reasoning, planning, thinking, conflict resolution…) with which people can understand, face and resolve complex circumstances.
In addition, musical intelligence, naturalistic intelligence and other types of intelligence typical of the . Despite everything, in the majority of tests that investigate IQ, only cognitive abilities such as verbal comprehension, memory, processing speed, fluid reasoning and visuospatial ability are evaluated.
IQ: how is it measured?
IQ is measured through standardized psychological tests which are divided into different tests (visual puzzles, scales, succession of drawings,…). These tests can be used in different areas of psychology (clinical, educational, social,…) and, in addition, they are useful for different functions. Below, we name these functions and some examples:
- Evaluate: to assess the academic performance of students or any other aspect that can be determined or influenced by IQ.
- Classify: to classify people intellectually, for example, based on age, school year, gender, whether people are above or below average, etc.
- Select: when you want to select a candidate for a workplace or a university (normally access to the university is determined by academic results).
- Diagnose: to diagnose diseases or learning difficulties related to low IQ.
- Investigate: to verify proposed hypotheses, typical of scientific studies and research, such as, for example, studying the relationship between cannabis consumption and the IQ of high school students.
IQ: test
The best known tests are those that are part of the Wechsler intelligence scale. This author created three tests to measure IQ, and they differ among them due to their adaptation to different stages. First of all, WPPSI is the name given to the test that is aimed at the preschool and primary stage (2 to 7 years). Secondly, the WISC It is the test aimed at children and adolescents (6 to 16 years). Finally, he WAIS It is the test that is aimed at adults (16 to 90 years). In Psychology-Online you can find the electronic adaptation to the WAIS test, which will allow you to know your IQ. In addition to these, there are others.
However, there are authors who defend that there is not only one value that measures intelligence, but that there are different types of intelligence. If what you want is to know What type of intelligence predominates in you?you can also find a , which includes the intelligences of Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences: linguistic, logical-mathematical, visual-spatial, corporal-kinesthetic (also called kinesthetic), musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal and naturalistic.
IQ: average value
What is a high IQ? When is IQ considered normal? What is the average CI? And the IQ of a gifted person? To consider that a person is within the average, without considering themselves gifted or with high abilities, or on the contrary, without determining that there is any delay in their intellectual abilities, their intelligence quotient (IQ) range must be found between 90 and 109meeting the most common value in 100. Thus, we present the classification or table of IQ:
- IQ range of 130 or higher: Very superior intelligence.
- IQ range between 120-129: superior intelligence.
- IQ range between 110-119: bright normal intelligence.
- IQ range between 90-109: average normal intelligence.
- IQ range between 80-89: slow normal intelligence.
- IQ range between 70-79: borderline intelligence.
- IQ range up to 69: mental deficiency.
It should be noted that there is an exclusive classification for mental deficiency (considered disability). Although some researchers also consider borderline intelligence as a possible disability.
- IQ range between 55-69: mild mental deficiency.
- IQ range between 40-54: moderate mental deficiency.
- IQ range between 25-30: severe mental deficiency.
- IQ range up to 24: profound mental deficiency.
Therefore, the normal, average or average IQ is between the values 90 and 109. Some frequently asked questions about IQ are as follows:
- What is the highest IQ? IQ can increase throughout life, and it also increases with evolution, that is, the average IQ increases progressively with each generation.
- What is Albert Einstein’s IQ? It is estimated that this genius’s IQ score was around 160.
- What is the gifted IQ? From what coefficient do you become gifted? Intellectual giftedness is considered from an IQ score of 130, a cut-off established by the World Health Organization.
This article is merely informative, at Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
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Bibliography
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- Medina, B., Mercado, E., and García, I. (2015). Limit intellectual capacity: the great forgotten one.
- Salmerón, P. (2002). Evolution of concepts about intelligence. Current approaches to emotional intelligence for educational guidance. Education XXI, 5(1), 98-121.
- University of Concepción. (2002). Intelligence. Psychological Evaluation Techniques I.