The term “intelligence quotient” (IQ) means that score, obtained through standardized tests, which aims to measure intelligence, or rather to evaluate the cognitive development of the individual based on his age.
From the beginning of the 20th century, the French psychologist A.Binet created the Binet-Simon Scale, with the aim of identifying pupils in need of help in school subjects. The test, which he invented, measured the mental age of the child. The original formula calculated the result expressed as: (mental age: biological age) x100.
What is the IQ test?
The test to measure the intellectual coefficient involves a series of tests that evaluate various skills, such as linguistic knowledge, logical, analytical, abstract thinking and more. These are questionnaires based on multiple choice questions, mathematical problems, lexical and memory tests, spatial visualization activities and speed of perception, investigation of the fluidity of language and three-dimensional thinking and more.
How is the IQ measured in a person?
The value 100 is synonymous with the average IQ. Most of the population would be in a range between 85 and 115. Having a lower or higher IQ can mean the presence of “intellectual disability” or “intellectual surplus.” Obviously, it is good to remember that IQ does not fully define a person as he is able to measure only some intellectual abilities.
What are the different types of IQ tests?
A further refinement of the first Binet-Simon scale was published in 1916: the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale, which however presented difficulties in applying to adult individuals. Today, among the most used tests there is the so-called WAIS (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale).
What does it mean to have an average IQ?
In general, we tend to consider 100 as a number to indicate an average IQ, even if this result can also oscillate between 90 and 110. Below 70, usually, we speak of intellectual disability, above, instead, of intellectual surplus. Obviously, it is good to remember that IQ does not completely define a person as it is able to measure only some intellectual abilities.
What is the intelligence quotient (IQ) of a gifted person?
In the event that the IQ of a person exceeds 130, we speak of a “gifted” individual like albert Einstine, which, especially in childhood, not only has positive aspects but can initially present a series of difficulties, such as adaptation problems, a certain tendency to isolation, difficulties at school level. All this is exhausted once this gift is recognized and treated in the appropriate ways.
Who can have an IQ test?
Taking a test to evaluate the IQ can be useful at various times in life. In childhood, for example, it is an opportunity to investigate the possible presence of surplus gift or to grasp various deficits in the direction of an intellectual disability. Alarm bells, such as memory or learning problems, should not be devalued but thoroughly investigated with an ad hoc test, administered by a specialist, in order to adequately support those affected, especially if still a minor, when a certification becomes possibility of obtaining a support teacher in school.
