Can You Study For an IQ Test?
Otherwise known as Intelligence Quotient tests, the IQ test comes in many forms. IQ tests help to diagnose and predict intellectual disabilities and assess an individual's academic growth potential. .
History Of IQ Testing
The IQ test was first used to test the basic intellectual capabilities of U.S. school children, using the data to support mental health diagnoses and care. The first intelligence was administered in the early 1900s, with modern versions of the test being attributed to Herbert Goddard, a psychologist from Clark University.
Numerous IQ tests are now used for different purposes. Most are intended for use with elementary-school-aged children, but some are used to measure adult intelligence. The more common types of IQ tests include activities designed to assess reasoning, mathematical and computational skills, and inference to determine one's academic and intellectual potential. While this data is valid, other areas of reasoning and skill play a role in overall intelligence.
Studying For The IQ Test: Is It Possible?
Contrary to what people might believe about the IQ test, it is not used to test mastery of one specific skill. Improving your IQ through engaging in higher-order thinking activities and intellectual stimulation will increase your ability to think quickly and efficiently as you access problem-solving skills you may not have known about before. People with higher IQs tend to be more efficient and productive than those with lower IQs. It is common to find those with higher IQs in positions of management and authority, as they can think on their feet to solve problems and communicate effectively with others.
While you may engage in practice tests and higher-order thinking skills activities to increase your intelligence, studies show that much of this work is unrelated to increasing a score on an IQ test. One way to improve IQ test scores is through engaging in practice tests that closely mimic the intelligence test you intend to take.
IQ Results: What Do They Mean?
According to recent studies on child health and intellectual development, nearly 85 percent of children labeled "intellectually disabled" have IQ scores between 55 and 70. A score of 100 points is considered average intelligence.
High IQ Scores
Those who receive higher than 100 points on an IQ test are known to have high IQs. Extreme intelligence is enjoyed by a mere 2.1 percent of the world's population; these people are considered to have a "genius" level of intellectual potential. See smartest people in the world.
Low IQ Scores
Someone who scores below 80 on an IQ test is considered to have below-average intelligence. Those with poor scores below 70 are a cause for concern, as this may indicate underlying intellectual or cognitive delay that may need intervention.
IQ tests are typically the first step in diagnosing and managing intellectual and cognitive issues. Other tests that should be administered in cases of low IQ include:
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Blood tests
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Brain ultrasound
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Full mental health screening
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Adaptive/Cognitive skills screening
Taking An IQ Test
IQ tests are just one piece of the intelligence puzzle. Early testing and intervention are crucial to the growth and development of children; opportunities to take an IQ test should be taken as you consider the best path of growth and education for a child.
For adults, the IQ test of intelligence may not carry as much weight, but it can certainly provide some answers and data that shed light on areas that need growth and development. Others want to know where they fall on the intelligence scale just for fun; taking your initial score too seriously could cause undue anxiety that does not have to impact your life if you consider opportunities for study and practice.
Preparing For An IQ Test: The Basics
Think of your brain as a muscle--it also needs to be worked out and exercised for it to perform well for you. While boosting an IQ score is not guaranteed, doing what you can to improve mental stimulation and focus will increase your chances of improving an IQ test score. Take these tips to heart when studying for your test.
Seek Out Mental Stimulation
Novelty and new experiences stimulate areas of the brain and build new synapses associated with these situations. This increased connection-building is likely to improve intelligence over time. Take advantage of opportunities to meet new people, participate in new social activities, or build a new hobby or skill to increase your knowledge base. Commit to reading new material daily, and choose topics unfamiliar to you to stimulate new growth areas.
Challenge Yourself To Learn New Thing
Embracing an attitude of lifelong learning is the best recipe for continued intellectual growth and whole-life satisfaction. Once you've mastered a skill, challenge yourself even further. Push your personal and professional activities to the next level of development. This will force your brain to work harder, expanding your overall intelligence.
Force A Bit Of Problem Solving
Our world is too convenient for us. Instant food, GPS, and grammar and spell check are fantastic tools for shaving off time in your daily chores, but they don't allow you to use the problem portion of your brain to make new connections. Cut some of these conveniences out for a while, and consider using "old-fashioned" ways of navigating your world to create new neural pathways in the brain, not to mention give yourself a boost of confidence that you can find solutions without assistance or technological tools.
Practice Testing
Plenty of free numerical reasoning tests are available for online IQ test practice. These tests comprise basic calculations and estimations. Sequencing tests are also available; these will allow you to become familiar with IQ test format to reduce anxiety and increase confidence as you approach the "real test ."The Culture fair IQ test is one of the best progressive IQ tests available for practice. This package includes questions involving:
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Numerical reasoning
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Diagrammatic reasoning
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Verbal reasoning
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Logic
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Spatial reasoning
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Inductive and deductive reasoning
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Mechanical reasoning
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Critical reasoning
As you prepare for your IQ test, keep in mind that intelligence is fluid, with the opportunity to improve skills as you take on new, stimulating life experiences. Best of luck to you in your testing endeavors!