Are you searching for how to take an IQ test? If yes, here’s the right place. An IQ test is a standardized test used to measure one’s intelligence. Many people believe that these tests are very difficult. But they’re also passable. You just need to cross the right T’s. Here’s an article that reviews everything you should know about an IQ test, including IQ test tips to help you aim for the best during your IQ test.
What is the Purpose of an IQ Test?
What is the Purpose of an IQ Test?IQ test is an abbreviation for the intelligent quotient test. It is an assessment used to measure a range of cognitive abilities. It provides a score that can measure the test taker’s intellectual ability and potential. Simply put, IQ tests measure how far above or below your peer group you are in mental ability. The IQ test score is derived from a set of standardized tests or subtests specially designed to assess human intelligence. The ‘IQ’ abbreviation was coined by a German psychologist, William Stern, from the German term Intelligenzquotient, which was a scoring method for intelligence tests at the University of Breslau in the early 1910s.
Today, IQ scores are used for different purposes, including educational placement, intellectual disability assessment, and job applicant evaluation. In research contexts, several researchers have studied IQ as a predictor of job performance and income. The test can also serve for understanding the study distributions of psychometric intelligence in populations and its correlation with other variables.
Understanding the IQ Test Format
IQ tests are typically given in the multiple-choice format. They are also mostly timed. Most IQ tests will score an individual on a scale of 100, while others may be more. However, the highest possible score from an IQ test is 145, while the lowest possible score is 61. Scores between both extremes represent just one standard deviation from the mean IQ for the sampled group. For example, an average score of 110 means that a person’s IQ score is 10 points above the average IQ of persons in the test sample. Similarly, an average score of 67 means a person is 11 points below the average personal IQ test format.
The whole goal of IQ is centered around reasoning. So test questions are specifically designed to measure reasoning ability, which comprises three factors and a number of components. The factors are fluid intelligence, performance IQ, and crystallized intelligence.
It’s important to note that the average score of IQ tests varies across different countries because the tests are typically designed differently to suit geographical factors unique to each country. More so, different countries have different criteria for defining a “normal” score.
Types of IQ Tests
IQ tests have transformed from what they used to be during inception, with contributions from hundreds of psychologists, scientists, and psychometricians forming the basis for modern IQ test patterns. Thanks to this revolution, tons of standard IQ tests are now designed to measure different aspects of a person’s intelligence level.
However, studies have consistently shown that the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC) and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) are the most frequently used IQ tests. Both tests were developed by Roman-American psychologist David Wechsler for school children and adults, respectively.
In addition to these two, there are other popular IQ tests used in different sectors for different purposes. Some of them include the following:
- Cognitive Assessment System (CAS)
- Wide range intelligence test
- Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test (NNAT)
- Kaufman Assessment Battery (KAB) for children
- Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale
- Raven’s Progressive Matrices
- Multidimensional Aptitude Battery
- Reynolds Intellectual Assessment Scales
Please note that the content of each of these IQ tests and their context and results may vary significantly. Thus, a person can score high on one test and still score low on another.
Common Questions Asked in IQ Tests
Beyond knowing the definition and types of IQ tests, one question that often comes up in groups and forums is whether test takers can get IQ test practice questions before the test date. The straightforward answer to this question is yes! You can find samples of the same types of questions in IQ tests online.
IQ test questions are intended to assess various mental skills and abilities. Thus, they cover different aspects of intelligence. Below are examples of the type of questions in a typical IQ test.
- Analogies (verbal and quantitative)
- Pattern drive (mathematical and spatial)
- Classification
- Spatial
- Visual
- Logical
While these are the general areas in most IQ test questions, it is helpful to look at the exact appearance of specific questions. Here are some examples of typical IQ questions:
1. What number should follow in this pattern of numbers?
38, 35, 32, 29
Answer: 26 because the number is arranged in descending order by 3.
2. Find the correct answer to the following analogy:
Pen is to Writing as Spoon is to:
a. driving
b. drawing
c. eating
d. stirring
Answer: c.
3. Find the two words, one from each group, that’s closest in meaning
Group A
wind, angry, loquacious
Group B
job, talkative, ecstatic
a. wind and talkative
b. angry and job
c. loquacious and talkative
d.angry and ecstatic
Answer: c. Loquacious and Talkative
4. Which of the following can form a 5-letter English word when arranged properly?
a. R I L S A
b. H G R T S
c. W R Q S G
d. T M O T O
Answer: A. rails and d. motto.
Time Duration and Number of Questions
A typical IQ test takes between one to two hours. However, the exact time would depend on the test taker’s age and intelligence. It’ll also depend on the test’s length. There have been instances of test completion within 20 minutes. There have also been instances where 2 hours seemed too small to complete the test. So, it boils down to where, when, why, and for who the test is conducted.
The test consists of 25 to 50 multiple-choice questions, depending on the abovementioned factors.
How to Prepare and Study for an IQ Test: 5 Techniques
As stated earlier, the IQ test is not the simplest test there is. It’s not the hardest, either. You just need to know how to approach the test, and you’ll be good to go. Thankfully, scientists and psychologists have developed proven IQ test tips that can help you better prepare. Here are some of them.
Carefully review the instructions
Before starting, prioritize reading all instructions to know what the test is about. Read the sample questions and take note of how they are answered. Don’t feel rushed about any of these cos you’ll do better when you understand what’s expected of you.
Skip hard questions
Different questions have different difficulty levels. Some are generally easier to solve than others. If a question feels too difficult for you and you’re taking too much time trying to solve it, move to the next one. If the test doesn’t allow you to skip any question, guess the answer and move to the next.
Avoid reckless guessing
Yes, we’ve recommended guessing some answers above, but that doesn’t mean you should guess recklessly. If you feel there’s enough time left, take the time to think and try to answer the questions correctly. Remember, some tests may deduct points for wrong answers. So the more you provide answers you’re sure of, the better for you.
Practice tests
One of the best ways to prepare for an IQ test is to study with IQ test practice questions. These questions do not only present concepts in a similar manner to real IQ tests; they also serve as the perfect mental preparation for the pressure that comes with the test. Some sites offer quick quizzes for efficient practice. Find these practice tests and go through them when possible to build the confidence you’ll need for the test.
Go over your answers at the end
If, after finishing the test, you have any time left, go over your answers again to be sure there are no mistakes.
Wrapping Things Up: How to Study for IQ Test?
So that’s it, a detailed breakdown of all the right information about IQ tests. The details and explanations in this article show that you can prepare for an IQ test. Remember, the harder you prepare, the easier it is to face the exam. However, it’s never a guarantee that you’ll do better than you can. While it helps to keep you ready and your brain sharp, it doesn’t necessarily add to your intelligence level. Most people also prefer to download a study guide for IQ tests to aid their preparatory journey.
In conclusion, IQ tests are not the absolute measure of intelligence. There are so many other ways to measure. So, don’t feel dejected if you perform badly on an IQ test. It’s an opportunity to struggle to improve and test yourself via other means.
Did you find this post helpful? If so, check out our other articles related to IQ test below:
> How to Prepare for the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test?
> How to Prepare Your Child for the CogAT Test?
