Intelligence Quotient - What it is and What it Means
The basic IQ test has always undergone quite a bit of scrutiny, but for researchers the correlation between test scores and life events is too significant to ignore.
One's intelligence quotient, popularly referred to as "IQ" can easily be measured. What is sometimes open for debate, however, is exactly what that IQ "score" means and what flaws there may be in the testing of intelligence. In a very general sense, the IQ test is a standardized test that is specifically designed and developed to assess one's intelligence. While the term "Intelligenz-Quotient" was originally coined by the German psychologist William Stern in 1912, there have been a number of developments in testing intelligence since then.
Though there are a number of different IQ tests available now, most, including the popular Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, is based on a median score of 100 and a standard deviation of 15. Those with IQ scores that are two standard deviations above the median - or 130 - are said to be geniuses. Perhaps most interesting among IQ studies are the degree to which scores are associated with one's parents' social status as well as the IQ of one's parents.
Another interesting note is the correlation of one's intelligent quotient with various childhood environmental factors. Among the factors that are considered to have at least some bearing on IQ scores are childhood nutrition, whether a child was breastfed or not and whether a child has received musical training. While there are, of course, many other factors involved besides these few, parents interested in aiding their children develop can look to these factors when making child-rearing decisions.
Another interesting correlation of IQ relates to one's expected income. Scientists refer to the correlation between IQ and income as one with decreasing marginal value. In other words, it is generally important that one's IQ not be too low, or earnings expectations will be relatively low as well. However, as IQ increases, expected income increases at a decreasing rate, so that after certain IQ levels, the additional expected income is negligible.
There have been a number of studies of the IQ test, some of which confirm it as a legitimate means of predicting a variety of life expectations. Still others, however, argue that the IQ test is biased against certain minority groups, a so-called "cultural bias," and that for those with learning disabilities the test is not an accurate reflection of one's ability to think critically.
For researchers, these assertions are generally irrelevant, as those studying IQ are not doing so for purposes of determining their subjects actual intelligence but, rather, trying to predict the future for those taking the test. In this sense, the IQ test is actually very useful, as the correlation between IQ and mortality, income, overall health and a wide variety of other factors is quite striking. The assertions, however, have changed the way that IQ tests are used. Court cases as far back as the 1970s over the use of IQ tests in employment situations determined that because of the possibility that using IQ tests as a measure of capability may adversely affect minority employment candidates, they are not to be used in making employment decisions except in very rare cases.
While there remains a good deal of debate regarding IQ tests and their validity, those studying human intelligence and, most particularly, life outcomes, will continue to utilize such tests in their research.
Though there are a number of different IQ tests available now, most, including the popular Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, is based on a median score of 100 and a standard deviation of 15. Those with IQ scores that are two standard deviations above the median - or 130 - are said to be geniuses. Perhaps most interesting among IQ studies are the degree to which scores are associated with one's parents' social status as well as the IQ of one's parents.
Another interesting note is the correlation of one's intelligent quotient with various childhood environmental factors. Among the factors that are considered to have at least some bearing on IQ scores are childhood nutrition, whether a child was breastfed or not and whether a child has received musical training. While there are, of course, many other factors involved besides these few, parents interested in aiding their children develop can look to these factors when making child-rearing decisions.
Another interesting correlation of IQ relates to one's expected income. Scientists refer to the correlation between IQ and income as one with decreasing marginal value. In other words, it is generally important that one's IQ not be too low, or earnings expectations will be relatively low as well. However, as IQ increases, expected income increases at a decreasing rate, so that after certain IQ levels, the additional expected income is negligible.
There have been a number of studies of the IQ test, some of which confirm it as a legitimate means of predicting a variety of life expectations. Still others, however, argue that the IQ test is biased against certain minority groups, a so-called "cultural bias," and that for those with learning disabilities the test is not an accurate reflection of one's ability to think critically.
For researchers, these assertions are generally irrelevant, as those studying IQ are not doing so for purposes of determining their subjects actual intelligence but, rather, trying to predict the future for those taking the test. In this sense, the IQ test is actually very useful, as the correlation between IQ and mortality, income, overall health and a wide variety of other factors is quite striking. The assertions, however, have changed the way that IQ tests are used. Court cases as far back as the 1970s over the use of IQ tests in employment situations determined that because of the possibility that using IQ tests as a measure of capability may adversely affect minority employment candidates, they are not to be used in making employment decisions except in very rare cases.
While there remains a good deal of debate regarding IQ tests and their validity, those studying human intelligence and, most particularly, life outcomes, will continue to utilize such tests in their research.
Like This Article?
Follow:
Post Comment