QUESTION: There is a lot of discussion about intelligence tests in our school district.
A lot of us don't think they mean very much, and are frequently incorrect in their interpretation.
What can an I.Q.
test really measure?
ANSWER: First let me say that perfect I.Q.
tests would accurately and completely validate and reliably predict a person's intellectual aptitude. But there are no perfect I.Q.
tests.
Controversies about such things as the definition of intelligence and appropriate methods for evaluating that aptitude have been with us for decades (yes, even when I took them!) and even now are still being debated. I.Q.
tests you probably hear the most about are the currently popular Wechsler and the Stanford-Binet.
The latter was the leader in the United States until fairly recently when the Wechsler which measures a wider variety of verbal and performance aptitudes was introduced. Nevertheless, I.Q.
tests particularly those that are given individually as opposed to those administered to groups to people over six years of age can be very helpful in identifying intellectual aptitudes and their relative strengths and weaknesses in specific areas of thinking/learning abilities. Additionally, I.Q.
tests can be very useful in evaluations of patients suspected of being mentally retarded, those having serious learning disabilities and/or attention disorders, or those who are exceptionally talented. One of the most important elements in I.Q.
scores is analyzing the specific conditions under which the test was taken, as well as various parts of the tests.
Also, the tester's degree of skill and rapport with the person taking the test, scoring procedures, and the test taker's motivation to be tested, physical and psychological conditions, fatigue, and understanding of directions are important.
And so you may wish to know that I.Q.
tests only give indications not absolute truths.
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician.
Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.
