Intelligence and IQ Both Measured Differently?
The term "IQ" was coined by William Stern, a German psychologist, in the early 20th century. Stern sought to improve the discrimination capacity of intelligence tests between people of the same age. Over the years, the concept of intelligence has evolved, with many arguing for an expansion to include interpersonal relationships, motor skills, creativity, and self-knowledge.
The intellectual quotient (IQ) is the overall score obtained in various instruments designed to measure intelligence. One of the most famous psychologists associated with IQ is Albert Binet, creator of the first IQ test. Binet equated intelligence with judgment or common sense. Lewis Terman, who revised the Binet-Simon test, popularised the IQ and the abbreviation "CI."
The IQ is obtained by comparing a subject's scores in a test with those of others of the same age. David Wechsler, author of the WAIS and WISC intelligence tests, defined intelligence as a global ability that allows us to achieve goals, think rationally, and cope with the environment. The Wechsler tests include not only the total IQ, but also verbal IQ and manipulative IQ.
Research shows that the correlation between IQ and grades during basic education is approximately 0.50. However, the ability of IQ to predict job performance varies depending on employment and tends to be lower than academic IQ. This is because IQ tests primarily measure problem-solving and other cognitive functions of higher order, but job performance also depends on a variety of other factors.
Normal IQ scores, according to Wechsler, range approximately between 85 and 115, with two thirds of the population falling within this range. Scores below 75 denote borderline intelligence, while scores above 130 are slightly high. It's important to note that IQ is a relatively stable aptitude that varies depending on the individual.
However, IQ tests have faced criticism, particularly for ethnocentrism. They may favour certain environments over others, potentially leading to biased results. Despite this, IQ is frequently used in evaluating students and job applicants, mainly due to its predictive capacity for academic and professional performance.
The term "intelligence" originates from the Latin word "intelligere," meaning the ability to understand or perceive. Today, the Royal Spanish Academy's definition of intelligence includes the ability to understand and know things, solve problems, and an ability derived from experience. The psychologist who developed the theory of multiple intelligences, Howard Gardner, is American. Gardner argued for an expansion of the concept to include interpersonal relationships, motor skills, creativity, and self-knowledge, among others.
In conclusion, IQ remains a significant tool in education and employment, despite its limitations and controversies. As our understanding of intelligence continues to evolve, so too will the methods we use to measure and harness it.
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