How to Find Out Your IQ

By eHow Education Editor

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Though IQ (intelligence quotient) has come under scrutiny as a measure of intelligence, finding out your IQ can help you become a member of certain organizations and can open other doors for you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

  • IQ Tests

Step1
Find an appropriate test - there are a great many IQ tests out there. On the Web, consider visiting iqtest.com to take an IQ test and to get general information about the process.
Step2
Take the test and score it.
Step3
Take several more tests and average the scores, dropping the lowest and highest. The result will give a good approximation of your IQ.
Step4
Understand what the results mean. Generally, an IQ of 100 places you in the 50th percentile (exactly average); 110 puts you in the 75th percentile; 120 in the 93rd; and 130 in the 98th, which is high enough to join Mensa.
Step5
Remember that no single number can measure something as complex and nuanced as "intelligence." Instead, IQ is intended to measure your chances of academic success in schools.

Tips & Warnings

  • Be aware that high-IQ societies such as Mensa usually accept the results of only certain IQ tests. Contact the individual society to find out their requirements (see "How to Join Mensa" under Related eHows for one example).
  • Don't be discouraged if you test low. Throughout history there have been many people of average or below-average IQ who have helped the world in profound ways.
  • Keep in mind that there are many important human abilities that IQ tests can't measure, such as musical or artistic talent, physical coordination, social ability, ambition and sense of humor.

Comments

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Valagash said

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on 3/3/2008 Each IQ test is different, and by this I mean that a 108 on two different tests does not neccessarily equal the same percentile-wise. Also, the IQ tests lose their accuracy progressively so, at the highest and lowest tiers of intelligence. A free IQ test can not accurately gauge someone's perception of reality, etc. So the results should only be treated as guesses. I would suggest averaging out the percentiles and taking note of each test result and the website/test it was acquired from. Concerning a child's intelligence, do not rely on GPA or grades to give you a clear indication. Smart children thrive if they are absorbed in advanced education, relevent to their age. As a parent, the number 1 candidate to blame for your child's falling behind in school is yourself, followed by the schooling system itself. No, I am not saying that the education system is out to destroy every child's lif

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 If you want to really know your IQ, be tested by a professional. The Internet tests generally score much higher than real life.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 I disagree about not telling a kid their IQ score. Gifted kids will notice that they're different, and if you don't explain their differences to them, they're likely to think (paradoxically) that they're stupid (or some other self-esteem damaging thing). I'm gifted, and I never believed it until I took an online IQ test (which confirmed it). You don't need to tell them the exact number, but tell them the range. Also, understand (and tell them) that giftedness is 24/7. No thought of theirs is not affected by giftedness. Also, not all their development will be at the same level. They might be an 8 year old with the maturity of a 6 year old who can read college textbooks. There are many other characteristics associated with giftedness, such as hypersensitive senses, autistic traits, introversion, intense emotions, lots of energy (and less need for sleep), and many others. Google "gifted child" for more of those. Also, make sure they get challenging schoolwork. Easy work can lead to daydreaming, acting out, perfectionism (where it's either perfect or worthless), and ADHD-like symptoms (which can cause misdiagnosis).

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Depression and learning disabilities, like Attention Defficit Desorder, may be the blame for the lost of concentration and interest in your own person. So don't take low results seriously because they vary.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Your IQ score will vary on different days, and even times of day. Your IQ scores may vary drastically depending on whether you spent the past few hours solving logical puzzles, or if you just woke up from a nap after lunch. Don't take it too seriously!

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eHow Article:  How to Find Out Your IQ

eHow Education Editor

eHow Education Editor

Category: Education

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