Testing intelligence and testing knowledge may seem similar, but they serve very different purposes. Knowledge tests check what students have learned — facts, concepts, and skills taught in school. Intelligence tests, on the other hand, aim to measure how someone thinks: how they reason, solve problems, and adapt to new situations. Both can be useful, but they must be used carefully and thoughtfully.

For this activity, I looked into the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) — one of the most widely used intelligence tests.

Example: Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS)

How It Works:
The WAIS has different subtests that measure a range of cognitive abilities, including:

Verbal reasoning — understanding language and explaining ideas

Working memory — holding and manipulating information

Processing speed — performing tasks quickly and accurately

Perceptual reasoning — solving puzzles and visual problems

The results are combined into an overall IQ score plus separate scores for different cognitive abilities. Trained professionals administer the test one-on-one to ensure fairness and accurate interpretation.

Strengths of WAIS

Helps identify cognitive strengths and weaknesses that aren’t visible in regular schoolwork

Can diagnose learning disabilities or guide educational and psychological support

Focuses on reasoning and problem-solving — not just what someone has memorized

Weaknesses of WAIS

Cultural bias may affect students who come from different backgrounds or language groups

One testing session may not reflect a person’s true ability (stress and anxiety can interfere)

High-stakes interpretation may wrongly label students as “smart” or “not smart”

Does not measure creativity, emotional intelligence, or practical life skills

Final Insight

Intelligence tests like the WAIS can offer valuable information — but they should never be the only way we judge a learner’s potential. A single score can’t represent the full richness of a person’s abilities, passions, and future possibilities.

A meaningful assessment treats every learner as more than a number.