Free IQ Tests

Evgheny Stivenson asked:


Most people have an average IQ score. Very few people will have an above average IQ score. For instance if you are currently at 70, it would be difficult to cross the 100 mark. But the fact remains that, no matter where you start at you can definitely improve. Below are three ways to do so:

1. Improve your test taking skills. Browse through the questions quickly. Do not waste time on questions which seem tough or time consuming. Come back to them after having solved the easier ones. This will help you find out the questions you can answer quickly, instead of wasting too much time on tricky questions.

Try to answer all questions in a multiple choice test. If not sure about the answer, use the technique of ruling out the wrong answers. If you are able to eliminate 2 out of 4 alternative given, your chances of answering the question correctly increase.

2. Be prepared in all ways for the test. Get a good sleep prior to the test. Have a straight posture while you sit and take deep breaths. This improves your score on any test. Eating fish too, has shown to speed up your brain waves and help you concentrate for longer periods of time.

If you are permitted to listen to music, I recommend you Mozart. If not allowed, then listen to it just before you take the test. One research has shown that people who listened to Mozart’s sonata for Two Pianos in D major,K. 448 for around 10 minutes before taking an IQ test improved their score by 9 points. Do not hesitate to do whatever will prepare your mind and body for the test.

3. Always exercise your brain. This is a technique to improve performance in the long term. Over a period of time your performance and hence the IQ score will improve.

It is my personal experience that the scores are higher when you take the test the second or third time. So it is best to take an online test the day before your test is scheduled. This will surely increase your average IQ score.

Read books that stimulate thought: Fiction is what most prefer to read, but it is hardly useful for enhancing the thought process. Reading books which are mentally challenging will help you improve your ability to read and write. Classics will improve your vocabulary to think in English and may even change the pattern of your thinking. Never ignore the words you don’t understand. Look up for their meanings. Also put all your effort in understanding paragraphs which appear complicated. Read them again and again to understand the full depth. Cultivate this habit and you will soon be able to grasp any complicated matter.

I am sure that once you get hooked to stimulating books, you will no longer be tempted to read fiction. Learning and imbibing fresh ides is far more thrilling than reading a fiction novel.

We become so much involved in our daily life that we don’t find time for ourselves. Concentration reduces. Find time where in you are alone and can think about issues. This will help organize your thoughts and you can prioritize your tasks and duties. You will be able to make clear cut decisions and focus on the most important issues. You cluttered mind will be a lot more clear and you will know why you are doing activities when performing them.



Kenneth

Alexander Roulinski asked:


For centuries, people have been trying to define intelligence. However, a universally agreed upon definition proves to be elusive so far. To some, intelligence is the ability to acquire new information and to adjust to new circumstances, while others regard the skills to solve complex problems as more important. Thus, many contrasting theories have emerged. The four theories with the largest number of followers are the theory of general intelligence, the theory of primary mental abilities, the multiple intelligences theory, and the triarchic theory of intelligence.

General intelligence

The oldest theory is that of British psychologist Charles Spearman, who, at the beginning of the 20th century, proposed the existence of general intelligence. He observed that people’s scores on different IQ tests tend to correlate. In other words, somebody who received a high score on one IQ test usually scored high on all other IQ tests, and vice versa. Therefore, he concluded that intelligence tests all measure one common factor, which he called general intelligence or “g”. In addition to that, Spearman argued that each test also measures some specific ability, which he termed “s” – vocabulary knowledge or mathematical skills, for example. However, what was of real importance to Spearman was general intelligence, which he believed to be the basis of all intellectual activities.

Crystallized and fluid intelligence

A similar theory by R. Cattell and J. Horn argues that there are two types of intelligence – fluid intelligence (gf) and crystallized intelligence (gc). Fluid intelligence is one’s biological ability to reason and acquire new information. On the other hand, crystallized intelligence is the set of specific knowledge and abilities that an individual has acquired by learning and experience throughout his life (1).

Primary mental abilities

In 1938 American psychologist L. Thurstone suggested, that intelligence is composed of seven independent factors, which he called primary mental abilities:

1) verbal comprehension;

2) verbal fluency;

3) mathematical ability;

4) memory;

5) speed of perception;

6) reasoning skills;

7) spatial visualization (2).

Multiple intelligences

Similar to Thurstone’s theory is that of Harvard psychologist Howard Gardner. In 1983, he proposed the existence of multiple intelligences, which are independent from each other. According to him, everybody possesses a certain combination of the following:

1) Linguistic intelligence;

2) Logical-mathematical intelligence;

3) Spatial intelligence;

4) Musical intelligence;

5) Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence;

6) Interpersonal intelligence;

7) Intrapersonal intelligence (3).

The Triarchic theory of intelligence

Finally, there is the Triarchic (three-part) theory of intelligence by R. Sternberg. According to him, there are three different types of intelligence. The first one is analytic intelligence, which is the ability to reason. It resembles the notion of general intelligence. The other component of intelligence, as defined by Sternberg, is creative intelligence or the ability to draw upon previous experience in order to solve new problems. The last part of intelligence, Sternberg argues, is practical intelligence, which reflects one’s ability to deal with everyday situations (4).

In conclusion, no unified theory of intelligence has been proposed yet. Until that happens, the debates on what intelligence really is are bound to continue.

References:

1. Jensen, Arthur R. Straight Talk About Mental Tests. New York: The Free Press, 1981. 62-63.

2. Intelligence. Encarta Reference Library 2003. Microsoft Corporation, 2002.

3. Armstrong, Thomas. 7 kinds of smart: identifying and developing your multiple intelligences. New York: Plume, 1999.

4. Sternberg, Robert J. How practical and creative intelligence determines success in life. New York: Simon and Schuster, 1996.



Erik

Ben Curtis asked:


Internet marketing is a science and an art.  The scientific element to marketing can be measured and learned.  How would you rate yourself as a marketer?  Examine the following statements that are true of successful internet marketers, and review your performance in relation to each.

1.       I have researched a niche, and have clearly defined a problem within it that needs solving.  I know the keywords people are using to search in that niche.   I know approximately how many times per month people are searching for a solution to the problem I have targeted.

2.       I have a plan.  It guides me as to what marketing efforts I need to do and when.  I have created a schedule for blogging, posting in my favorite forums, and writing articles on a regular basis.  The schedule helps me stay on track, and helps me realize that marketing is an ongoing process. 

3.       I have a unique selling proposition, or USP.  This is a statement of how I am servicing my customers in a way that is better, easier, less expensive, or more magnificent than others do.  My marketing efforts are geared to showcasing my unique solution or unique presence.  I work on branding all my communications with my USP.

4.       I work on over-delivering to amaze my customers.  I try to delight my customers with unexpected value.

5.       I track and test my marketing efforts so I spend time and money in the most profitable way.  I use tracking tools and unique id’s to source where my customers are coming from.  I eliminate wasteful marketing, and maximize my efforts where they pay off.

6.       I keep in touch with customers old and new, trying to forge relationships and loyalties that will serve both me and them.   I capture email addresses on my home page, and have emails of valuable content sent out on a schedule.

7.       I keep learning to improve my service, my delivery, and my reputation.  I interact with other internet marketers online and in person when possible.  I take other marketers’ e-courses, and I have a mentor who helps me tweak my performance. 

Anthony Robbins says, “Success leaves clues.”  Internet marketing success leaves clues that can be examined and copied, which is fortunate for anyone aspiring to online business success.



Jonatan Wolma

Brooke Hayles asked:


The belief that IQ tests are the most reliable means of scientifically testing the intelligence and smartness of a person has always been surrounded by controversial opinions, sparking heated debates. Some have even questioned the so-called scientific basis of the popular IQ tests. Many feel that the outcome of such tests is biased and does not reflect the true intelligence of a person that makes him successful in life. A person may score genius grade in the test, but in real life may be a total failure.

How it all Started?

Back in 1905, the French psychologist Alfred Binet decided that he wanted to pinpoint in advance the “slower” students from the rest of the class, so that they could be provided extra attention in school. Along with a colleague Theodore Simon, Binet created a scale to measure the intelligence of the students, the Binet-Simon (B-S) Intelligence Scale.

They revised the B-S scale in 1908 and once again in 1911, just before Binet’s death. In 1912, a German psychologist, William Stern, gave it a new name –

‘Intelligenz-Quotient”, the English equivalent being Intelligence Quotient or IQ. Lewis Terman, a professor from Stanford University, revised it one more time in 1916. And lo & behold, the IQ test was officially ready for mass implementation!

How it Works?

The way it works is pretty simple. The mental prowess is tested for a number of skills, such as logical reasoning skill, pattern recognition skill, cognitive skill, mathematical computational skill, three-dimensional visualization skill, language fluency, general knowledge, etc. Scores are given for each of these skill categories and based on them an overall score is assigned that indicates the IQ of the person.

This IQ score is supposed to indicate a person’s general intelligence. The score graph (score versus number of people) of IQ tests conducted in large populations is a bell-shaped curve, indicating that most people in general population have an average score around 100. At both the extremes on the score line there is a steep decline in the curve, implying that very few people fall in the genius category or in the imbecile category.

Sounds great, right? No. The controversies started simultaneously with these studies and umpteen questions were being thrown open for debate.

The Controversies

The controversial issues were: What exactly does an IQ test measure? What exactly is general intelligence? Is the test racially biased? Is it a measure of one’s acquired genetic intelligence or is it a measure of cultivated intelligence? Do you have to be a part of some elite family to fair well in these tests? And what about the improvement in scores that comes with familiarity with the tests and practice? Does it mean the person has suddenly become a genius after taking the tests a couple of times?

Another issue about the validity and the effectiveness of these tests was that they cover only the left-brain-controlled skills, and no skills characteristic of right part of the brain, like emotional intelligence, so very important to for achieving success in life. A low IQ person can accomplish great things in life through grit, determination; courage and love instead of through ability as defined by IQ tests (remember Tom Hanks in the movie Forest Gump?). These tests also do not reflect on the creative skills or the body intelligence of a person.

In the End

So what types of people score high on IQ tests? Are they justifiably intelligent people? Does race play a role? One study showed that blacks scored poorly until the 1950s, before education took off in a big way.

The IQ test scores of some famous personalities were: Einstein, 160; Mozart, 165; Leonardo Da Vinci, an incredible 220! There is no set recipe on how to score high, but training your senses to be receptive to things happening around you and maintaining your physical and emotional health go a long way in increasing your IQ.

Summary:

In the eyes of the common man the IQ tests are the perfect way to measure scientifically how clever a person is. But the reality is that many controversial opinions exist on these tests, and the debate will continue till a better measure of intelligence is formulated.



Marvin

Julia Penny asked:


 

Pre employment testing is commonly used by employers to screen out unsuitable job applicants. In the United States more than 30% of companies reportedly use pre-employment tests to help make hiring decisions. Used in conjunction with the interview process employment testing enables the employer to pin-point any areas of concern with regard to the applicant’s ability and suitability for the position. A valid and reliable pre employment evaluation is objective and a good tool for ensuring that the final employment selection is based on the applicant’s ability to successfully perform in the job and not on any prejudice, bias or assumption.

There are many different types of pre employment tests but the most frequently used tests fall into these five categories – personality tests, skills tests, aptitude tests, integrity tests and drug tests.

Personality Tests

Personality tests measure the personality characteristics of job applicants that are related to successful job performance. Typically they measure one or more of five personality dimensions: extroversion, emotional stability, agreeableness, conscientiousness and openness to experience. The test format can vary from a brief written test to a long psychological examination. Personality tests have no “right” answers and cannot be prepared for. Applicants should answer honestly and  not attempt to manipulate their answers to fit what they think the employer wants for two reasons. Firstly the tests contain validity scales that are designed to detect inconsistent and fake answers. This will be viewed as dishonest by prospective employers. Secondly applicants are misleading both themselves and the employer about their suitability for the job and are unlikely to be either happy or successful in the position.

Skills Tests

This is perhaps the most common type of pre employment testing. Applicants are required to demonstrate the skills needed for the job and confirm the job-related skills they say they have. Skills tests can range from a simple typing test, writing a report, lifting a heavy object to a complicated mechanical design. Some skills tests can be prepared for. Know which skills you will require on the job and practice these. Practice tests for typing and computer skills are available online.

Skills tests are considered acceptable if they genuinely test a skill needed for the job.

Aptitude Tests

These employment tests explore an applicant’s abilities such as reasoning, numerical, wiring or verbal skills. They differ from skills tests in that they are used to determine an applicant’s ability to learn and be trained in the required skills for the job while a skills test assesses existing skill levels.

Aptitude tests will tell an employer how quickly an applicant may be expected to learn to do the job tasks to a satisfactory level. There are general aptitude test referred to as IQ or intelligence tests and also tests for specific aptitudes such as mechanical aptitude.

Integrity Tests

Dishonesty in the workplace is a business reality. An integrity test explores an applicant’s honesty and trustworthiness. Questions are designed to evaluate the applicant’s attitude to drug and alcohol abuse, abuse of company resources such as phones, internet, email  and vehicles, the confidentiality of company information and data, the stealing of company property such as stationery, telling “white lies”,  and the approach to work ethic criteria such as time keeping and taking breaks.

Pre Employment Drug Test

The US Department of Labor has estimated that drug use in the workplace costs employers up to $100 billion dollars annually in lost work time, accidents, health care costs and workers compensation costs. As a result a large number of employers require applicants to have a drug test as part of their pre employment testing process.

An employer can have a program for testing job applicants for drug usage as long as it is administered fairly and consistently and is in line with federal and state laws. The laws concerning employment drug screening vary from state to state and some states require that employers may only test applicants once they have been formally offered a position conditional on a negative drug test.

The most common drug tests involve applicants going to a collection site where a urine sample is obtained and then sent to a certified laboratory for analysis. The standard drug test is called a “Five-Screen” and tests for 5 types of street drugs – marijuana, cocaine, PCP (Phencylidine), opiates such as heroin and morphine, and amphetamines. Urine drug testing is popular with employers because it is reliable, inexpensive and non- intrusive. Test results are usually available within 24 to 48 hours. Other testing methods such as hair testing, blood tests, breath tests and saliva testing are also used.

Job applicants are likely to be required to undergo some form of pre employment testing.  Although the amount of preparation that can be done for these tests is limited it will benefit applicants greatly to understand the type of tests they can expect.

For a comprehensive guide to the pre-employment test including tips and techniques for taking the tests go to Pre Employment Testing.



Frances