What Does an IQ Test Consist Of?

Intelligence quotient (IQ) tests are designed to measure a person's aptitude or intelligence. The most commonly used IQ tests are the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) and the Stanford Binet IQ Test.

Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children

The WISC involves verbal questions and timed nonverbal problems. Verbal questions include general information, questions about similarities between different things, arithmetic, vocabulary and comprehension. Nonverbal problems include picture completion, mazes and copying geometric designs.

Stanford Binet IQ Test

The Stanford Binet IQ Test is an adaptive test, which means the questions become more difficult if the test-taker answers correctly and easier if the test-taker answers incorrectly. The examiner begins the test at the test-taker's estimated ability level and ends when the test-taker's level of ability is established. Quantitative reasoning, working memory, knowledge, fluid reasoning and visual-spatial processing are measured in this test.

Scoring

An average IQ score is 100. IQ scores usually have a normal bell-curve distribution. Psychologists usually also give you the percentile of an IQ score to help you compare your score with the general population.

Considerations

Psychologists often give ranges of scores instead of exact scores, since IQ test performance may be affected by anxiety, fatigue, guessing or rapport with the examiner. In addition, IQ tests do not measure creativity, social skills, leadership or artistic talent.

References

• National Association for Gifted Children: I.Q. Tests And Your Child
• Kids IQ Test Center: Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales 5th Edition
• University of Minnesota: The First Adaptive Test: Binet's IQ Test
• Fairleigh Dickinson University: Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children