What is IQ Testing?
History of IQ Testing
Intelligence Quotient (IQ) testing began in the United States during World War I when the government needed a quick way to evaluate and classify recruits into different job assignments based on their intellectual abilities. A team of psychologists led by Robert Yerkes developed the Army Alpha and Army Beta tests. After the perceived success and utility of these tests, they continued to be used and developed for application in government and educational settings.
Around the same time, another intelligence test was being developed in France by psychologists Alfred Binet and Théodore Simon. Their test was introduced to psychologists in the United States and later translated and updated by Lewis Terman to create the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale. This test was used in educational settings to tailor educational curricula to the intellectual abilities of students, including identifying students who needed special education services as well as those with advanced abilities.
Today, there are several commonly used intelligence tests, including the newest version of the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale (SB5). The most widely used intelligence test for children is the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, 5th edition (WISC-V). The main differences between intelligence tests lie in the conceptual definition of intelligence that the test is based on. This means that different intelligence tests might evaluate different cognitive domains, such as verbal comprehension, fluid reasoning, visual-spatial processing, working memory, and more.
What to Expect When Taking an Intelligence Test:
During IQ testing, children can expect to complete a variety of tasks that will start out with instructions and example items, and then the items will get more difficult as they go along. Tasks will include verbal and nonverbal activities. This means that some items will be in a question-and-answer format, while other items will involve looking at pictures and/or solving visual puzzles. Some activities are timed, but depending on the activity, children may or may not be made aware of the time they have left to work. IQ testing can vary in length depending on a child’s ability level and the need for breaks, but it generally takes about an hour.
IQ testing feels different from academic achievement testing. Academic testing evaluates a child’s level of learning or achievement in areas including reading, writing, and math; in other words, things they learn in school. IQ testing more closely resembles “brain teasers,” memory games, and/or cognitive processing tasks.
How to Talk to Kids About IQ Testing:
It’s important to help children understand why they are participating in IQ testing and what to expect, to help reduce anxiety and foster a positive attitude during testing.
It can be helpful to explain to children that IQ testing is used to learn about how they think and solve problems. Remind them that it’s not like a school test and there won’t be any “grades.” Dr. Shively will let your child know that this testing isn’t about “being perfect” and will explain that there will be items and activities that seem super easy and some that are pretty hard. It’s important to let children know that no one gets every item correct! Dr. Shively uses a strengths-based approach to describe IQ scores and relates how different areas of cognitive abilities may relate to real-life situations. Should you choose to include your child in the feedback session where we talk about the results, you can be assured that your child will feel comfortable learning about how their brain works.
Benefits of IQ Testing:
IQ testing provides several benefits, including:
Identifying Strengths and Weaknesses: The test helps to pinpoint areas where a child excels and areas where they may need additional support.
Tailoring Education: Results can assist in creating a personalized educational plan that aligns with a child's unique abilities.
Early Intervention: Identifying learning disabilities or giftedness early allows for timely interventions and support.
Informed Decisions: Parents and educators can make informed decisions about educational and extracurricular activities that best suit the child's needs.
How to Prepare for IQ Testing:
Preparation can help ensure the child is comfortable and ready to do their best:
Good Rest: Ensure your child gets a good night's sleep before the appointment.
Healthy Meal: A nutritious meal before can help with concentration and energy levels.
Positive Attitude: Encourage your child and reassure them that the test is just to learn more about how they think and solve problems.
Common Concerns About IQ Testing:
IQ testing can feel like a high-stakes activity and some parents have concerns about the validity of the scores and the ways the scores will be used.
Test Bias: Modern IQ tests are designed to be fair and minimize cultural or language biases.
Stress: The testing environment is made to be as stress-free as possible, with breaks and a supportive atmosphere.
Confidentiality: Test results are confidential and are used solely for the benefit of the child's educational and developmental needs. The final evaluation report is your private property and you can decide who, if anyone, you share it with.