Example of an Intelligence Test — Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale

How It Works:
The Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale is a standardized test comprising a series of age-adjusted tasks assessing verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, abstract/visual reasoning, and short-term memory. It calculates a person’s mental age relative to their chronological age, producing an overall Intelligence Quotient (IQ). Tasks include vocabulary, pattern analysis, memory recall, and problem-solving exercises.​

Strengths:

Provides a structured and widely validated measure of general intellectual ability.

Covers multiple cognitive domains, giving a comprehensive intelligence profile.

Useful in diagnosing intellectual disabilities, giftedness, and cognitive strengths.

Weaknesses:

Can be biased toward verbal and cultural knowledge, disadvantaging certain groups.

Focuses mainly on analytical abilities, often overlooking creativity, emotional intelligence, and practical skills.​

Performance may be influenced by test anxiety, motivation, or unfamiliarity with test formats.

Summary:
While the Stanford-Binet test remains a gold standard for intelligence measurement, its limitations highlight why intelligence is multi-dimensional and complex to capture with any single test. Complementary assessments that consider broader cognitive abilities and cultural context are important to achieve a fuller picture.​

References

Furnham, A. (2006). Personality, intelligence and general knowledge. Personality and Individual Differences, 41(8), 1461-1472. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2006.06.011

Cognifit Blog. (2024, August 28). Knowledge vs. intelligence – uncovering the cultural link. https://blog.cognifit.com/knowledge-vs-intelligence/

EBSCO. (2024, July 31). Standardized testing and IQ testing controversies. https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/education/standardized-testing-and-iq-testing-controversies

Wikipedia. (2001). Intelligence quotient. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intelligence_quotient

Thomas International. (2024, November 21). Aptitude assessment or IQ test – which one is best? https://www.thomas.co/resources/type/hr-blog/aptitude-assessment-or-iq-test-which-one-best

PsicoSmart Blog. (2024, December 13). Cognitive skills assessment vs traditional IQ testing: Which is more effective? https://blogs.psico-smart.com/blog-comparative-analysis-cognitive-skills-assessment-vs-traditional-iq-testing-which-is-more-effective-184360