An IQ test is a test that measures a person’s cognitive ability and provides a score that is intended to serve as a measure of that person’s intellectual ability. The IQ test is one of the most widely used mental tests.
IQ scores are placed on a scale where 100 is considered “average” intelligence, and each deviation is 15 points above or below that. It is estimated that about two-thirds of the given population is within one standard deviation of the mean or between IQ 85 and IQ 115.
The intelligence test is universally accepted as an “official” test, although the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children are the most commonly used intelligence tests.
Some IQ tests may format their questions in one of the following formats:
- Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales
- Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Cognitive Ability
- Raven’s Progressive Matrices
- Cattell Culture Fair III
- Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales
- Differential Ability Scales
- Das-Naglieri cognitive assessment system
To simplify – an iq test is a type of test that tests your intelligence quotient (IQ). There are many different types of IQ tests you can take. Our free IQ test listed above is a good place to start.
IQ TEST CONTENT DESCRIPTION
Since there are many different Intelligence Quotient tests available, it is difficult to write an accurate description of the test scores. The following is based on the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), which is the most widely used real iq test online.
The WAIS-IV (4th Edition) shows four index scores that represent the main factors that makeup intelligence:
- Verbal Comprehension Index
- Memory Index
- Working Memory Index
- Processing Speeds Index
Together, these four main index scores compose of 15 subtests, 10 of which consider “core” subtests. They list as follows:
VERBAL COMPREHENSION INDEX OF IQ TESTS
The Verbal Comprehension Index Score compose of three core subtests and one supplement. Core subtests are in bold:
Similarity- This subtest presents two words that represent similar ideas or things, and asks the test taker to describe similar ways. This is to measure the formation of verbal sentences and thinking.
Vocabulary- The examinee ask to name an object based on a picture, and to describe words based on a verbal or visual representation. This measures vocabulary knowledge and the structure of vocabulary words.
Knowledge- The examinee ask to answer questions drawn from various topics. This is to measure skills in accessing, storing, and retrieving facts and information.
Comprehension- The examinee ask to answer questions based on knowledge of general principles and social contexts. This is a measure of the ability to use past experiences to form effective understanding and judgment.
PERCEPTUAL REASONING INDEX OF IQ TESTS
The Perceptual Reasoning Index Score compose of three core subtests and two additional subtests. Core subtests are in bold:
Block Design- Within a time limit, the examinee will see a picture and a model, or just a picture, and repeat the design using blocks. This measures the test taker’s ability to analyze and process visual stimuli.
Matrix Recall- The examiner sees an incomplete matrix or series and then selects the answer option that he thinks completes this matrix or matrix series. This is to measure visual intelligence, fluid intelligence, spatial ability and classification, understanding of cross-sectional relationships, perceptual organization, and simultaneous processing.
Visual Puzzles- Within a time limit, the test taker will see a completed puzzle, and choose three options that can use to recreate another puzzle. This measures the ability to think non-verbally, as well as the ability to analyze and process visual stimuli.
Figure Weights- Within a set time, the test taker will see a weightless scale, and will choose an answer that can balance the scale. This is analogical measurement and quantitative thinking.
Completion of Pictures- Within the allotted time, the examinee will show a picture or pictures that have an important part missing. He will select the answer option that shows the missing part. This measures attention, visual coordination and perception, and recognition of important visual features of an object.
WORKING MEMORY INDEX FOR IQ TESTS
The Perceptual Reasoning Index Score compose of two central subtests and one additional subtest. Core subtests are in bold:
Digit Span- The examinee read aloud a series of digits and remembers them in the same order they were originally read. They can also ask to remember them in alphabetical order or to give the numbers in ascending or descending order. This measures attention, working memory, memory and learning, coding, and attention.
Arithmetic- Within a time limit, the test taker mentally solves a number of problems. These measure attention, processing, short-term memory, long-term memory, attention, mental alertness, and numerical reasoning ability.
Letter-Number Sequencing- The examinee read aloud a sequence of numbers and letters and remembers letters in alphabetical order, and remembers numbers in ascending order. This measures attention span, sequential processing, concentration, attention, short-term auditory memory, and recall time.
DEVELOPING A SPEED INDEX FOR IQ TESTS
The Processing SpeedIndex Score compose of two core subtests and one additional subtest. Core subtests are in bold:
Coding- The experimenter copies the symbols that multipl by the number within a specified time, using a paper key. This measures learning ability, processing speed, visual acuity, and visual acuity. The test taker will complete this subtest using the same paper key as provided.
Symbol Search- Within a set time, the examiner will look at the search group, and will indicate if any symbol in the group matches the search group. This measures visual short-term memory, processing speed, visual-motor coordination, visual discrimination, cognitive flexibility, and mental processing speed. The examinee completes this subtest using the answer book provided.
Councilor- During the allotted time, the examiner examines the system of shapes, marking the correct shapes. This measure focuses on selective attention, processing speed, alertness, visual-motor skills, and visual speed. The examinee completes this subtest using the answer book provided.
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