What are common problems with IQ tests?

Answer 1

Hi I think one of the problems with the IQ test is you need to be careful where you get it. If you just search on line because you want to take one more or less for fun, be aware that most people who provide stuff for free on line are actually trying to sell you something. SO you could download an IQ test that shows, surprise! that you are not very good at math. They then try to sell you a course to make you a wizard at math. The IQ test has been around and fiddled with by smart people for a long time, so by now a real IQ test is probably fairly accurate at revealing your IQ. The question is, what does it really reveal? An IQ of 70 would get you into a special ed class and an IQ of 150 means you can get into MENSA with all the NASA scientists. But it doesn't reveal much else about you. If you really want to know your IQ, I suggest you go to a professional psychologist, or email a professor in psychology at your local university and ask him for the source of a reliable IQ test. Phil

Answer 2

The problems may apply to all tests and include: * Some people taking the tests may not understand the instructions properly. * The tests give an advantage to those familiar with taking school-type tests. (In other words, they test 'test-sophistication' as well as other things. * Coaching can boost scores by up to ten points. * Many tests include a general knowledge element.

Answer 3

Some common problems with IQ tests include cultural bias, reliance on a narrow set of skills and knowledge, lack of consideration for other important forms of intelligence, and the potential for test scores to be influenced by factors such as test anxiety and motivation.