What Is an IQ Test and What Do its Results Mean?

IQ tests are measurements of a person’s intelligence quotient. Such tests are tools for measuring the cognitive abilities of the human brain. They help to assess the level of intelligence, logical thinking, analytical abilities, spatial perception and other mental skills.

Understanding what an IQ test is and how to interpret its results can be useful for both individuals and educational and professional institutions. You’ve probably tried yourself in similar tests and have heard about this tool more than once. Modern IQ measurement programs are not only a measurement system, but also a way to improve skills. Read Cerebrum IQ reviews and try your hand!

When and How Did IQ Tests Appear?

IQ tests were developed in the early 20th century in France to assess the mental abilities of schoolchildren. The founders of this field sought to create tools to identify children who need additional support in their studies. Over time, the tests were adapted and standardized, and in 1916 Lewis Thurman created the Stanford-Binet test, which became one of the most famous IQ measurements.

How Do IQ Tests Work?

IQ tests usually consist of various tasks aimed at assessing numerical capabilities, verbal skills, logical thinking and spatial perception. The tasks of the classic test may include:

• Verbal tasks. Within this part, the test taker can be assessed for the amount of vocabulary, understanding of the text and analogies.
• Numerical tasks. Here, the test taker is tested for literacy in working with numbers and solving mathematical equations.
• Logical tasks. Can the person being tested cope with identifying patterns and solving logical puzzles?
• Spatial tasks. Assessment of the test subject in terms of perception and control of objects in space.

These and other task blocks can be found in classic IQ testing.

IQ Test Results

The test results are suitable for a single measurement system and are expressed in the form of points. Within this measurement system, the average IQ is 100. Usually, the IQ distribution in the population looks normal, which means that most people have an IQ in the range of 85-115.

IQ test results provide important information about cognitive abilities, but they should be interpreted with caution. Here are some interpretations of the points system to understand the results of the classic IQ test:

• 70-89: below average intelligence. This group includes people who may face difficulties in traditional learning and professional environments.
• 90-110 points: average intelligence. Most people fall into this category.
• 111-120 points: above average. People with such results tend to show good analytical skills and academic results.
• 121-130 points: high intelligence. These are people who, as a rule, achieve success in learning and can cope with difficult tasks.
• 130 and above: very high intelligence or genius. These individuals are often leaders in their fields.

Using IQ Tests

Obviously, the use of IQ tests is not limited to individuals. IQ test results are often used in educational institutions to determine student support needs, as well as in human resources management to evaluate potential employees.

However, when using this tool, it is important to remember that IQ is not the only indicator of a person’s abilities or potential. After all, at the time of testing, a number of factors can affect a person: mood, poor health, fatigue, stress and much more. All of this may be temporary and unproven. Motivation, hard work and personal qualities also play an important role in success.

Let’s move on to the conclusions. Thus, IQ tests are a technique for assessing a person’s intellectual abilities, which can be a useful tool for identifying the need to strengthen knowledge or skills. Despite the fact that these are really useful tools for assessing cognitive abilities, the results should be taken with caution. Such tests provide only a partial picture of a person and do not take into account some factors that affect their abilities and success in life. It is always important to take into account the context in which the tests are conducted and enrich the results with additional information about the person in order to form a complete picture of his or her potential.