IQ Tests Key Terms

Test your level of intelligence with these IQ test key terms

By L. Newton

An IQ test is a very common tool used for identifying a person’s level of intelligence, especially a child’s. IQ scores help teachers and psychologists determine high and low ranges of intelligence. Along with understanding the results of IQ tests comes understanding specific terms related to IQ tests. Some terms help the test-giver distinguish the types of IQ tests available. Stanford-Binet and Wechsler are both popular IQ tests. Other terms describe the meaning and validity of the test results. Users must be aware of terms such as intelligence quotient, verbal IQ, and deviation IQs which all refer to related test scores.

Intelligence quotient (IQ)

Intelligence quotient, most commonly seen as IQ, is a score derived from an intelligence test. The score is based on dividing the mental age of the test taker by the chronological age and then multiplying by 100. The average IQ score is 100.
Try: Read an additional definition of intelligence quotient from Med Terms.

Deviation IQs

Deviation IQ refers to examining the IQ score compared to the rest of society rather than looking at the score independently. Deviation IQ looks at the person's deviation from the norm, which is 100. In the Wechsler test, the standard deviation is 85 to 115, with two-thirds of the population falling in that range.
Try: Minnesota State University has a page discussing deviation IQs; scroll down to the heading.

Stanford-Binet

The very first idea of an IQ test was in the form of the Stanford-Binet test. The test measures verbal reasoning, abstract/visual, short-term memory, and quantitative. Children as young as 2 1/2 all the way to young adults take this test.
Try: Gain more information about details about the Stanford-Binet test from Mental Help.

Wechsler Adult Intelligence

Ages 16 through adult take part in the Wechsler adult intelligence test. This IQ test has 11 subtests in two groups. The two groups are divided into verbal and performance. This test may last anywhere from 90 to 120 minutes.
Try: Kids IQ Tests discusses the Wechsler Adult Intelligence test.

Verbal IQ

A verbal IQ is made up of the scores on six parts of the IQ test. Those parts are: digit span, arithmetic, vocabulary, information, comprehension, and similarities.
Try: Psychology Today offers a Verbal IQ test online.

Genius

A genius is a person of high intelligence based on the scoring of an IQ test. The score of a genius is higher than 140.
Try: Mensa is an organization for individuals with a high IQ.