Southern New Hampshire University
Lifespan Development
Some of the most popular psychological tests today are of intelligence. The dictionary’s definition of intelligence is the capacity for learning, reasoning and similar forms of mental activity; aptitude in grasping truths, relationships, facts, meanings, etc. It also states that, intelligence is the capacity for understanding; ability to perceive, and comprehend meaning. Alfred Binet and his colleague Theodore Simon introduced the first intelligence test called the Binet-Simon Scale. This test was originally designed to help identify those school children who needed extra help. However, Binet himself had doubts on this test and the success of measuring …show more content…
The Stanford-Binet measures five factors of cognitive ability: Fluid Reasoning, Knowledge, Quantitative Reasoning, Visual-Spatial Processing, and Working Memory. Each of these factors is tested in two separate domains, verbal and nonverbal” (Stanford-Binet). This test uses a single number to represent the individual’s score. This is known as the individual’s intelligence quotient (IQ). This score was calculated by dividing the test taker’s mental age by their chronological age, and then multiplying this number by 100. For example, a child with a mental age of 12 and a chronological age of 10 would have an IQ of 120 (12/10 x 100) (Cherry). So what do your scores mean? An IQ score of 130 or higher indicates a high score. From gifted to genius and then extraordinary genius. It is thought that those with a higher IQ score tend to exhibit perseverance, the desire to excel in life and great will power. However, not all individuals with high IQ scores are destined to be great. Creativity and personality traits are not measured and thus can turn a genius into a bum later on in life. It is also known that individuals with higher IQ scores tend to have more social problems and can lead to social isolation, anxiety amongst other issues later in life. Also, research indicates that those that are highly gifted are not necessary gifted in all aspects. …show more content…
Everyone needs help with things in their life. No one is perfect and I think that this could be a great learning tool – whether good or bad. If it’s a high IQ, then focus could be made on what he’s good at (for future opportunities) and more attention to the things he struggles with. Again, being a learning tool, I would do the same if he had a low IQ score. Focus primarily on what needs to be worked on and appreciate and commend those attributes that are fabulous in his life….the drums. Again, not everyone with a high IQ is destined to be the next Einstein. Your environment, how your raise your children, understanding and becoming aware of those things that need a little extra attention can make a different in any child’s life, with a high or low IQ.
References
Cherry, Kendra. (n.d.). History of Intelligent Testing. In About.com psychology. Retrieved from http://psychology.about.com/od/psychologicaltesting/a/int-history.htm
Intelligence. (n.d.). In Dictionary.com online. Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/intelligence
Stanford Binet Test. (n.d.). In IQ Stanford Binet. Retrieved from