Misconceptions About IQ Testing

IQ, or intelligence quotient, is the measure of a person’s cognitive abilities. There are many misconceptions about IQ testing, scores, and what those scores mean. Geo Psychological Testing debunks some of the most common misconceptions about IQ testing:

 

IQ testing measures general intelligence

There is a common misconception that IQ testing measures general intelligence and can determine whether someone is “smart” or not. In reality, IQ testing measures so much more than general intelligence; IQ testing measures cognitive ability. Cognitive abilities include problem solving, reasoning, creativity, and planning.

 

Intelligence is inherent and your IQ is fixed

It’s widely believed that IQ is fixed — that your IQ score does not change over time. This is simply untrue! This stems from the belief that you are born either intelligent or unintelligent. However, intelligence is not inherent. From birth, your intelligence is influenced by your education, opportunities, environment, etc. Often, your IQ changes as you learn to adapt and respond to day-to-day challenges.

 

A high IQ score is an achievement

Many believe that having a high IQ score makes someone a “genius”. However, a high IQ score is not always indicative of superior intelligence. While IQ testing does measure several cognitive abilities, it is not all-encompassing. IQ testing does not measure one’s social or emotional intelligence. While someone may have some strong cognitive abilities, they may be lacking in other areas.

 

Although every student can learn no matter their level of intelligence, some students struggle in school because of a weakness in a specific area of intelligence and IQ tests allow this to become apparent to both parents and teachers. Therefore, proper testing and assessment is necessary to promote the child’s success. Interested in learning more about IQ testing with Geo Psychological Testing? Contact us today!

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