The Brain Game: Are IQ tests a valid measure of human intelligence?

The first IQ (intelligent quotient) test was developed in the early 1900s by French psychologist, Alfred Binet. The test's original purpose was to provide a fast and accurate way to measure a person's intelligence. In its early days, IQ tests were administered by psychologists to determine if someone was mentally ill. These tests were also given in European and American education systems and the scores were used by schools to determine what children would need to be enrolled in special education programs. However, as a result of various recent studies, the accuracy and validity of IQ tests is being debated.

The average IQ test score is 100. A score of 130 or above would place someone in the gifted category, while a score lower than 70 may indicate a learning disability.

An online study conducted by Dr. Adrian Owen concluded that there was no single test that could measure a person’s intelligence. According to Owen, this is because there are multiple components that make up a person’s cognitive profile. This study also revealed that people who frequently perform cognitive exercises to improve their cognitive profile did not do better on the IQ test than those who did not.

A factor that has been proven to effect IQ test scores is motivation. The more motivated a person is to do well on the test, the better that person will do. This is especially true for people who are given an incentive for completing it. Although people who are highly motivated tend to do better on the IQ test, it does not necessarily mean they are more intelligent than those who are less motivated, says psychologist, Angela Duckworth.

Since concluding that there are various components that make up a person's cognitive profile, different IQ tests have been developed. There are now tests that include questions that help measure people’s creative and emotional intelligence, in addition to their standard, logical intelligence. There are also IQ tests that have been specifically designed for certain age groups and professions, such as the military. Among the most common IQ tests are:

• Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale

• Universal Nonverbal Intelligence

• Differential Ability Scales

• Peabody Individual Achievement Test

• Wechsler Individual Achievement Test

• Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale

• Woodcock Johnson III Tests of Cognitive Disabilities

Although IQ tests may not be able to measure every aspect of human intelligence, they do provide some useful information. Gifted students, as well as students with learning disabilities, can be identified by administering these tests. In the past, minority students were often overlooked when it came IQ testing. Schools who practice universal screening are helping underrepresented students get the attention they need, whether it be through a gifted or special education program.

I do not think the debate over whether IQ tests are a valid measure of human intelligence or not will be resolved anytime soon. It is hard to determine what stance to take when there are justifiable arguments coming from both sides. I think researchers will continue to conduct studies to gain more knowledge on the subject and IQ tests will be tweaked and/or new tests will evolve from that. One thing I do believe everyone can agree on is that IQ tests, though controversial, are here to stay.