Free IQ Tests

Duncan Kelly asked:


Most people know that IQ is a measure of how clever a person is, but what is it exactly, and how is it calculated?

It all started with a french psychologist named Alfred Binet in 1905. He was working with retarded children and devised a test with his associate Theodore Simon to measure the mental age of children, as opposed to their chronological age. Then in 1912, the german psychologist William Stern devised a ratio of mental age to chronological age. He found that this ratio remained constant as children grew into adults.

This ratio was called the “Intelligence Quotient” or IQ and is equal to:

100 x (mental age/Chronological Age).

So if you are 40 years old, but have the intelligence of an average 34 year old, your IQ is :

100 x 34/40 = 85. This is a low IQ. An IQ of 100 is normal or average for the whole population, and higher IQs mean that the person is advanced for their age mentally.

The tests that are done to determine your IQ are specially designed to test all areas of your brain: calculations, pattern recognition, series progression, logic, verbal skils, common sense, etc. The results are then compared to the population norm, and an IQ figure is determined. There are a number of different tests in use, some timed and some untimed.

IQ’s can be as high as 200 in adults, with some children scoring up to 250. But most people fall into the IQ range of 90 to 110. In fact, around 80% of the population fall into the 80 – 120 range.

Some high IQ individuals were: Thomas Jefferson: about 155 Albert Einstein 170 and Isaac Newton 200

There are many societies for people with high IQs. Mensa requires an IQ of 132 or more, TOPS (Top ne Percent Society) requires an IQ of 137 or more, 150 gets you into the triple nine society and into OATH (One in a thousand) and if you are above 163 you can join the Prometheus Society. There are also a few people that have managed to join the Mega and Pi Societies, with an IQ of higher than 176.

IQ test results have been found to give a remarkably good indication of an individuals abilities and future prospects, and has been useful in predicting how a person will perform in a complex job. Most professors have an IQ of 130, which puts them in the top 3% of the population, for mental ability.

Although IQ test results are not infallible, they are a useful indicator of one’s abilities, and the ratio normally stays constant throughout one’s life.



Terry

Amy Nutt asked:


It is very common for people to take IQ tests nowadays as a way to assess their intelligence. However, some people may be doubtful whether IQ tests give an accurate representation of a person’s level of intelligence. In order for us to determine whether standard IQ tests are accurate, we can start by learning about the background of IQ tests.

Background of IQ Tests

Sir Frances Galton was one of the first scientists to introduce the Intelligence Quotient Test. This British scientist conducted research and made comparisons of different people according to their abilities to accomplish certain tasks. His study assured him that there must be a way to measure human intelligence. After Galton, a different kind of IQ test was developed by Alfred Binet, a French psychologist. Along with Theodore Simon, Binet developed tests for memory, vocabulary, practical knowledge, reasoning, and problem solving skills. In comparison to Galton’s test, the Binet-Simon IQ test was more accurate in predicting academic success, and it is still the standard formula from which many of today’s intelligence tests were derived. Alfred Binet’s test was brought to the United States by Henry Goddard. There, the formula was revised by Lewis Terman, and a new scoring system was developed. With this scoring system, a person’s IQ test score will be judged against the performance of people of the same age.

Accuracy of standard IQ Tests

Are standard IQ tests really accurate? People often wonder why some people who are bright in class don’t do so well in IQ tests. On the other hand, those who don’t do well in class may excel in IQ tests. This doesn’t mean that IQ tests aren’t accurate. It only means that some people are smarter when it comes to logic and reasoning, while others have better memory skills. Because school examinations cover such a wide array of topics, it is difficult to judge the overall intelligence of a person. Students may do well for one or two subjects that they are exceptionally good at, while scoring lower marks for subjects that they are not so interested in. There are people with low IQ test scores that do very well for their exams and the reason behind this may be just that they have studied harder than others. This has nothing to do with logic and reasoning skills; it is just a matter of determination and hard work. Therefore, the definition of intelligence is a continuous debate.

IQ Tests for single and multiple abilities

People also wonder whether intelligence is just a measure for a single ability or several different abilities. Are you considered generally intelligent if you’re only good in Mathematics? Or are you considered intelligent in Mathematics and just average in overall intelligence? It all depends on how you see it. Today’s IQ tests are accurate as long as you take into consideration the aspects of intelligence they measure. Intelligence is still something that cannot be defined by a universal value. A genius may show exceptional intelligence in a certain field of study, but he can be quite slow-witted in other subjects. Is such a person considered intelligent?

Multiple IQ tests are generally more accurate, because they assess a person’s intelligence in different fields of mental abilities as well as give a more accurate account of a person’s overall intelligence. In multiple IQ tests, a person’s scores from various standard IQ tests will be added up and then divided to produce an average. One good thing about taking multiple IQ tests is that you reduce the effects of certain variations in environmental factors, such as stress and mood.

How environmental factors can affect the accuracy of IQ tests?

Studies show that a standard IQ test is an accurate measure of a person’s intelligence, only that there are certain environmental factors that can affect it. It has been proven that results from the score of a standard IQ test may vary up to 15 points, if the person who is being tested is affected by factors such as mood, anxiety, emotions and biochemistry. In order to lessen the effects of these environmental factors, many people choose to take multiple IQ tests instead of single standard IQ tests, simply because the former gives a more accurate representation of intelligence.



Roy

Cynthia Overfield asked:


I believe there are many ways to define intelligence besides using an IQ test. I have a relative who has an IQ off the charts, yet he cannot remember to tie his shoes before he goes out the door. Common sense, something that appears to be not so common in some of us, tops the list when trying to define intelligence. A majority of the population that inhabit this earth don’t even come close to being MENSA material but they have enough know-how to function in their jobs, family life and in social situations. The common sense type of person can remember that shoes need to be tied before leaving the house, which is much more useful than tripping over your shoelaces while attending your MENSA meeting.

People who have emotional intelligence tend to have a large circle of friends, not just acquaintances, but true friends. They have a strong personal relationship with their spouse, children and other family members. They take pride in their families, friends and their jobs. People with strong emotional intelligence are compassionate and confident in most everything they do in their lives. Realistically, most people will not have everything perfected in their lives, but those who have their emotions under control seem to have better well-being. That tells me that being “book smart” does not necessarily make for a happy, well-adjusted life.

Another way to define intelligence in human beings is social skills. Social skills are a trait that anyone can learn to a certain extent. I have known older people who have never finished high school yet can place themselves in a social setting and carry on a conversation with the grace of royalty. Consequently, being intelligent means more than being able to figure out the theory of relativity.

Cultural intelligence is something almost everyone has. One good example of this is kids growing up in the inner cities. Kids growing up in the inner cities need to know street smarts to survive. They do not need to know history, but they do need to know how to read facial expressions and body language for their own safety. My husband, who is of the MENSA mentality, took a wrong turn when he was visiting New York City and found himself in Harlem. He felt helpless and a little scared being in a cultural environment that threatened his very life. Think about it. People who did not grow up in this environment would not have the faintest idea what were the safest streets to drive or walk down, yet the person who lives there knows where and when to walk or drive. That makes people who live in the inner cities intelligent because they have the smarts and the expertise to make the right choices in order to stay safe and alive in a hostile environment. I could have an IQ of 180 but if I am from Iowa and I walk or drive through Harlem at midnight, that would make me pretty stupid.

Overall, intelligence is based not only on how high your IQ is, but also on how you interact with your fellow human beings on a social and personal level. Albert Einstein was a great mathematician but could he survive walking down the streets of Harlem at midnight, I doubt it.



Paula

James “Hut” Allred asked:


Most of you at one time or another has learned about the importance of eating a well balanced diet. With the huge plague of obesity descending upon our nation, we are reminded on a daily basis through commercials on TV and ads in magazines of the importance of eating properly. While most of us know how important it is to eat right, the real question is, “What is the right thing to eat”?

There are some many different diets and eating methods to choose from, low-calorie, hi-protein, low-carbohydrates, vegetarian, and the list goes on and on etc…. It’s so confusing, you want to lose weight and be healthy, but are you eating right in the process?

How many of you really know what’s healthy and what’s not? Here are a few questions and answers on nutrition that may surprise you. Test your nutrition IQ and see how much you really know about eating a well balanced diet by seeing if you know the answers to the following questions.

1. You can eat Fast-Foods when following a low-fat diet? True, many fast-food restaurants now have menu that include foods for anyone watching their weight. Just remember to not over do it and eat the appropriate size portion.

2. Would you consider pop-corn, pretzels, and apples to be an appropriate snack? True, these are great snacks when eaten in moderation.

3. Do the new labels on foods give you a general idea of a food’s nutrient contribution according to consuming 2,500 calories a day? False, the new labels give you the percent daily value for 2,000 calories consumed daily.

4. You can eat a healthy meal when you eat out a lot? True, as long as you look for foods that are backed, roasted, grilled, steamed or baked. Also try picking fish and lean meats and ask for your salad dressing on the side instead of on your salad.

5. There are no ethnic foods that offer healthy eating choices. False, you should be able to find something healthy no matter what ethnic the food is. Look for foods that are rich in fiber and complex carbs and low in fat.

6. According to the food guide pyramid, fruit is the food group that you need to eat the most of during the day? False: Fruit is 2-4 servings, Vegetables is 3-5, Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, nuts, and beans is 2-3, and Dairy is 2-3 servings per day.

7. The best way to cut back on fat at home is to completely eliminate if from your diet.

8. You don’t have to count calories when you’re on a low-fat diet? False, even if your limiting your fat intake, if you over eat, you will have trouble losing weight.

It’s a known fact that in order to live a happier, healthier life, it’s important to combine proper nutrition with a routine of exercise. The problem isn’t knowing; it’s combining these factors into your life and making it a habit, just like brushing your teeth. Knowing and doing are two different things. Being aware that changes need to be made to your daily nutrition in order to live a longer, healthier life is the first step in the right direction to a better you.



Gene

Saqib Ali Ateel asked:


You might have heard that black intelligence is lower than the white intelligence. Philosophically blurred, scientifically unconfirmed and practically unproven intelligence tests have colored even the abstract impression. They are not sure for intelligence. They don’t have tools to segregate blacks from other populations. They don’t have black IQ tests to measure intelligence of white.

…but they are sure of low black intelligence!

It is fair for the communities to believe that their culture, their values and their traditions are better than other competitive people. However, it is unfair to use pseudo-scientific psychological instruments to prove that some races are better than the others. It is unfair to label the blacks with low IQ level.

Statistical Support For Low Black Intelligence

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The supporters of low black intelligence claim that IQ test results since 1939, the World War I, show black white IQ difference figuring constantly at 1.0 to 1.1 Standard Deviations (SD).

This statistical claim was broken in 1997 when Armed Force Qualification Test (AFQT) showed difference of 0.97 SD in the black intelligence. The IQ score results taken with Woodcock-Johnson Intelligence test and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-IV) also tell a different story.

In fact the studies of black intelligence have often yielded inconsistent data. At times the black intelligence score improves and other times decline.

The true status of the black intelligence is still to be determined. But it is often proven that statistical data of the IQ scores should not be used to make very important community decisions.

The reason may not work with the IQ testing industry. But you should not ignore other explanations…

Environmental Impacts Upon Black Intelligence

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The supporters of the low black intelligence believe that your genes transfer intelligence to your children. The collective wisdom of a community may be defined in terms of IQ test scores.

Catching with the argument psychologists have deduced the following results from the available IQ score data.

1- Jews are the most intelligent people in the world.

2- Asians are more intelligent than whites.

3- The African nations are below average or mentally retarded (Ref: Murrey)

4- A 15 point difference exists in IQ of Catholics and Protestants in Ireland (Ref: “Race and Culture” by Thomas Sowell)

5- Hot finding is that blacks have lower IQ than the whites.

These statements represent the idea that different races have different IQ due to their birth. They often ignore the reality of environment. And by environment I mean income, parental occupations, schools and, cultural and religious explanations.

…and you can’t limit the scope!

Main Reasons Behind Low Black Intelligence

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First, “What is intelligence?”

Each test developer shall come with a different definition. Most of them suggest that a measurement made by the IQ test is called intelligence. The main culprit is the abstract concept of ‘intelligence’.

Then the IQ tests and their useage is another major reason. They may help you to make some career related decisions but they can’t be used to measure intelligence of the communities.

They are built, standardized and administered with a belief that they can measure your intelligence. You may improve your IQ score with the help of tuition, preparation and practice. Some people support faking for the scoring reasons.

Can you translate this improvement in the terms of intelligence?

Most of the professionals believe that such improvement doesn’t increase your intelligence. But they don’t admit that difference in IQ score does not imply that black intelligence is lower than the white intelligence.

The biggest reason lies with the IQ tests!

The supporting reason is the allegation that some IQ tests such as CLAS, WASL and SOL MCAS are used to crush the minorities even when they are close to the white IQ, with other tests.



John