The Functionality of IQ testing in the real world

Abstract

IQ tests have long been utilised as a measure of ‘intelligence’ and in some cases as cut-off scores for entry into gifted programs. But what do these tests really assess? What are their limitations? This philosophical session will present an ephemeral overview of Intelligence Quotient testing and what IQ really represents. IQ specifically refers to an individual’s functioning on a diversity of cognitive tests explicitly intended to quantify ‘intelligence’. Usually, scores on IQ tests are well-correlated, suggestive of ‘a domain-general intellectual faculty’ or general intelligence. Empirical evidence strongly suggests that IQ scores frequently predict success in school however it is problematic to denote an IQ score as a learner’s potential to achieve and perform in all areas at school. Limited research exists to quantify this for twice-exceptional students (gifted with disabilities).