Reliability, Validity, and Considerations in Measuring Intelligence

The IQ test from 123test.com consisted of ten questions, focusing on word associations, numerical analysis, pattern recognition, and spatial thinking and is scored using the number of correctly-answered questions to produce an IQ score range. The IQ test from iqtest.com consisted of thirty-eight questions, analyzing the test taker’s potential in certain intelligence categories, providing an IQ score based on the results. Finally, the IQ test from literacynet.org consisted of fifty-six questions in which the test taker answers with a number from one through five, with five being that the statement very strongly describes the tester, and one being that the statement very poorly describes the tester.

The three tests are not reliable because selecting the same answers may not produce consistent results since the results are compared with those of others to generate an IQ score. Additionally, they may not be valid in accomplishing their objective of evaluating an individual’s intelligence. The main reason for this is that the tests are all self-administered, and the questions can be guessed on, resulting in inaccurate assessment; additionally, the test results may be subject to certain biases like social desirability bias. In the 123test IQ test, the ten questions asked may not have been sufficient to produce accurate results on an individual’s intelligence, as missing a single question may drastically reduce one’s score. Also, they focused on testing the participant’s abilities in the English language, numerical logic, and spatial awareness, which may not be considered the only components of knowledge that assess a person’s intelligence. Similar to the 123test IQ test, the iqtest IQ test contains questions on English words, spelling, numbers, logic, and spatial awareness; however, the questions are asked in a true or false format, which can encourage guessing and lead to inaccuracies in the evaluation of one’s intelligence. Additionally, the results take into account the time spent taking the test and are presented by an intelligence profile with a general IQ score as well as a score for each of the following intelligence categories: arithmetic, spatial skill, logical, spelling, short term memory, rote utilization, algebraic, general knowledge, visual apprehension, geometric, vocabulary, intuition, and computational speed. While the first two IQ tests provide a score according to the IQ scale, the literacynet IQ test is founded on Gardner’s eight intelligences, including bodily-kinesthetic, intrapersonal, interpersonal, naturalist, linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, and spatial, providing a score out of 5.0 for each intelligence category. One major flaw in this IQ test is that the questionnaire is self-reported, likely resulting in inaccuracy as a result of social desirability bias.

Several external variables may have affected the outcome of each IQ test. Genetic factors include brain functionality and neural activity; while environmental factors include nutrition, stress, health, education, and previous experiences. 123test.com, co-founded by Edwin van Thiel, who has a PhD in Artificial Intelligence and Psychometrics, is rated 9.1 out of 10 stars by 328 reviews and explicitly states that its IQ tests are valid and accurate. The iqtest website claims that its IQ test is the most scientifically valid and has been developed by PhDs to provide an extensive analysis of participants’ general IQ score; however, the subjects studied by the PhD researchers are not mentioned. Finally, literacynet.org states that its IQ questionnaire has been established by Dr. Terry Armstrong, a professor of education at Harvard University.

Although all three tests have drawbacks, I believe the iqtest IQ test is the most accurate measurement of intelligence out of the three tests because it further examines the participant’s intelligence by not only including a general IQ score but also providing a complete intelligence profile with in-depth analysis on each area of intelligence. Additionally, each of the 38 questions are strongly related to at least one of the thirteen categories of intelligences, demonstrating how the questions focus on the IQ categories and not other factors.

Intelligence tests have many benefits; they provide valuable insight into individuals’ knowledge and help educators understand the strengths and weaknesses of students’ cognitive abilities to improve their skills effectively. However, IQ tests have several limitations, as well. One shortcoming is that all IQ tests are different and may measure different areas of intelligence. Since intelligence is defined in many ways, such as Spearman’s general intelligence (g) and Gardner’s multiple intelligences, the IQ tests may fail to measure certain intelligence categories that may be important to the success or performance of certain individuals, as intelligence cannot be defined by a number. Also, IQ tests can be socially harmful, as the IQ score number may label individuals as gifted or unintelligent, which may result in either higher or lower expectations and levels of confidence and effort. While IQ tests may be valid for measuring certain areas of intelligence and may be useful for certain educational purposes, they fail to measure every intelligence category and may lead to a drastic change in test-takers’ self-esteem due to the misunderstanding of their cognitive potential.