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How IQ Tests Work

Last updated on Mar 27, 2025

IQ tests, or Intelligence Quotient tests, aim to measure a person's intellectual abilities. They consist of various tasks designed to assess different aspects of cognition, including logical reasoning, problem-solving, memory, and verbal comprehension.

  1. Components of an IQ Test IQ tests typically include questions and exercises that test:

Pattern Recognition

Logical Reasoning

Mathematical Ability

Language Skills

Memory Recall

Spatial Visualization

These tasks aim to evaluate various intellectual skills and provide a snapshot of cognitive function.

  1. Scoring System IQ tests use standardized scoring, where the average score is set at 100. The scores are distributed on a bell curve:

Scores between 85–115 are considered average.

Scores above 130 indicate exceptional intelligence.

Scores below 70 may suggest areas that require support.

The scoring system ensures comparability across age groups by adjusting for developmental differences.

  1. Limitations IQ tests focus primarily on specific types of intelligence, such as analytical and logical reasoning. They may not account for creativity, emotional intelligence, or practical problem-solving skills. Cultural and language factors can also influence results, making it essential to interpret scores cautiously.