IQ (intelligence quotient) tests emerged in France as a way to identify children who needed additional support in their studies
Measuring a person’s intelligence may seem (and actually is) a very difficult task. To come up with the most concrete possible way to identify someone’s brain capacity, scientists have created IQ tests, standardized assessments that address different cognitive areas, such as verbal, mathematical, visual and logical reasoning skills. But do they really work?
Remember that a real IQ test must have a structured, researched and clinical assessment, with psychological support and performed by a qualified professional.
What is IQ?
IQ stands for intelligence quotient and is a measure of reasoning ability of a person. The purpose of IQ tests is to evaluate how well someone can use information and logic to answer questions or make predictions.
Most people have the ability to learn regardless of their IQ score. However, some are simply able to learn more quickly or easily than others.
How did IQ tests originate?
You IQ test it emerged in France in 1905. The French government hired psychologists Alfred Binet and Theodore Simon to develop a method that could identify children who needed additional assistance in their studies.
In 1916, Lewis Terman, an American psychologist, adapted and expanded the test, creating the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale. As a result, the trial version has been improved and widely used in several countries.
Over the next few decades, other intelligence tests were developed, including the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC), both created by David Wechsler.
Over the years, IQ tests have become increasingly popular in society, being used in a variety of contexts, from education to employee selection. However, they have also been subject to criticism.
The controversies over IQ tests
These tests do not escape criticism and controversy, and still have a very controversial past, since in times of intolerance, in countries like the United States, they served as the basis for racist statements – that blacks were less intelligent, for example.
That’s because they didn’t take environmental factors into account at the time or because many of the test takers were immigrants and didn’t speak English as their first language. It was a misconception that lasted well into the 20th century.
Do IQ tests really work?
According to an article published in the magazine Intelligencepeople with higher IQs tend to perform better academically and are more likely to pursue more successful careers.
But even if the results are accurate, IQ only measures a person’s potential as determined by that specific test, on that specific day, and at that specific time.
However, a report promoted by the American Psychological Association reminds us that many manifestations of brain abilities may not be taken into consideration in these tests, such as creativity or emotional intelligence.
Overall, the idea is that IQ tests should be used to help someone on the path to success, not to demotivate them. Furthermore, they must be performed under the supervision of professionals. If you intend to deepen your intelligence, the ideal is to consult a neuropsychologist. The IQ test is one of several tools used in the process.
Source: Intelligence, A central healthcare, American Psychological Association
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Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
