What is an intelligence assessment test?

An intelligence quotient, or IQ, test provides a total score derived from standardized tests designed to assess human intelligence. Originally calculated by dividing mental age by chronological age and multiplying by 100, modern tests transform raw scores into a normal distribution. While used for educational placement and evaluating job applicants, IQ scores remain estimates due to the abstract nature of intelligence, and terms like emotional quotient have emerged to measure other abilities.

What we know

• An intelligence quotient is a total score derived from a set of standardised tests or subtests designed to assess human intelligence. [1, 2]
• Originally, IQ was calculated by dividing a person's estimated mental age by their chronological age and multiplying the fraction by 100. [2]
• Modern IQ tests transform raw scores into a normal distribution with a mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 15. [2]
• Financial quotient derived its name from intelligence quotient as an ability to obtain and manage wealth. [2, 4]

Still open

• There is still debate over the significance of heritability estimates and the mechanisms of inheritance regarding IQ.

Where to go next

• what followedWhy are raw IQ scores rising over decades?
• compared withHow does emotional intelligence compare to IQ?
• a case in pointHow is financial quotient measured?
• the bigger pictureWhat role does psychometric testing play in psychology?
• an unexpected connectionHow does human creativity relate to cognitive aptitude?

Sources

• [1]intelligence quotient (Wikidata Q170277) · CC0 1.0
• [2]Intelligence quotient · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [3]Emotional intelligence · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [4]Financial quotient · CC BY-SA 4.0
• [5]Creativity · CC BY-SA 4.0