Tests often claim to determine an intelligence quotient, or IQ score, without really defining the term. In fact, there are many different types of IQ tests and IQ scoring scales, plus intelligence tests that don鈥檛 even show results as an IQ score. For admission to Mensa, applicants must take a standard intelligence test and score at or above the 98th percentile.
What Do IQ Tests Test?It is more valuable to look at what IQ tests correlate with than what they measure. IQ tests didn鈥檛 arise as measurement tools for theories that immediately proved to correlate with notable outcomes. IQ tests he been tweaked and refined over time to show these correlations - a process similar to natural selection.
Why IQ Matters More Than Grit.Lifespan, physical wellness, and economic success he legitimate correlations with IQ. Unfortunately, we he little control over our IQ scores and measurements; the level of intelligence we鈥檙e born with is essentially what we鈥檒l he throughout life.
Trump Believes in IQ Tests. He鈥檚 Not Wrong.IQ tests don鈥檛 just indicate how well you take IQ tests. People who do well on IQ tests he similar success in school and at work. They also tend to enjoy better physical and mental health, living longer than peers who don鈥檛 score as well on IQ tests. Education and social class do not seem to impact these factors in the same way.