The Superstitious Results: Inaccuracy of IQ Tests
Sana Iqbal
Introduction
Ever since a child gets started with his academic life the term “IQ” keeps on hitting his mind. Regardless of the fact that he does not even correctly know the actual purpose and meaning of the term, he aspires to score high in his IQ tests. The process starts in school and gets back to haunt him when he has to apply in his choice of a top tier university. It again gets on his nerves when the time comes to apply for his ultimate dream job and his employer wants him to pass an IQ test. All he understands is that his IQ score has something to do with his mental capacity and capability and can be an important factor influencing his future.
The term IQ stands for Intelligence Quotient. As the name implies, it is used as a method of measuring a person’s intelligence. This method was developed by Alfred Binet, a French psychologist, in 1904. The sole purpose of this test was to identify children with mental disorders and learning disabilities and recommend special education schools for such children. Although Binet himself was the initiator of this idea, however, he was apprehensive that this method might wrongly be used as a general tool for intelligence measurement. Without a single doubt, it can be said that Binet’s apprehensions came true and today IQ tests are most popular device for intelligence testing around the world. The dilemma is that this method is not only used as a tool for testing children, but also adults. Furthermore, the results of the test influence important decisions such as granting admission in a university.
Limitations of IQ Tests
Binet’s primary concern was that IQ test may be used to denounce children to everlasting state of inanity, thus permanently affecting his confidence, education and personality in a negative way. The contemporary psychologists and researchers, who agree with Binet’s theory, term this concept as ‘IQ superstition”.
Green reports cases where... [continues]
Sana Iqbal
Introduction
Ever since a child gets started with his academic life the term “IQ” keeps on hitting his mind. Regardless of the fact that he does not even correctly know the actual purpose and meaning of the term, he aspires to score high in his IQ tests. The process starts in school and gets back to haunt him when he has to apply in his choice of a top tier university. It again gets on his nerves when the time comes to apply for his ultimate dream job and his employer wants him to pass an IQ test. All he understands is that his IQ score has something to do with his mental capacity and capability and can be an important factor influencing his future.
The term IQ stands for Intelligence Quotient. As the name implies, it is used as a method of measuring a person’s intelligence. This method was developed by Alfred Binet, a French psychologist, in 1904. The sole purpose of this test was to identify children with mental disorders and learning disabilities and recommend special education schools for such children. Although Binet himself was the initiator of this idea, however, he was apprehensive that this method might wrongly be used as a general tool for intelligence measurement. Without a single doubt, it can be said that Binet’s apprehensions came true and today IQ tests are most popular device for intelligence testing around the world. The dilemma is that this method is not only used as a tool for testing children, but also adults. Furthermore, the results of the test influence important decisions such as granting admission in a university.
Limitations of IQ Tests
Binet’s primary concern was that IQ test may be used to denounce children to everlasting state of inanity, thus permanently affecting his confidence, education and personality in a negative way. The contemporary psychologists and researchers, who agree with Binet’s theory, term this concept as ‘IQ superstition”.
Green reports cases where... [continues]
Cite This Essay
- APA
-
(2010, 11). The Inaccuracy of Iq Tests. StudyMode.com. Retrieved 11, 2010, from http://www.studymode.com/essays/The-Inaccuracy-Of-Iq-Tests-485037.html
- MLA
-
"The Inaccuracy of Iq Tests" StudyMode.com. 11 2010. 11 2010 <http://www.studymode.com/essays/The-Inaccuracy-Of-Iq-Tests-485037.html>.
- CHICAGO
-
"The Inaccuracy of Iq Tests." StudyMode.com. 11, 2010. Accessed 11, 2010. http://www.studymode.com/essays/The-Inaccuracy-Of-Iq-Tests-485037.html.
