Most people don’t know what IQ stands for; IQ stands for Intelligent Quotient. It is the result acquired from systemized tests made to take measurements of the intelligence of humans and psychological potential. The IQ tests contain questions that are used to estimate logical thinking and skills to solve problems. The results from the test are often used in school programs and to assess a person for mental disabilities.
In some cases, IQ tests are used to apply for a job. The researchers have stated that the average IQ is different around the world. Many scientists have developed a great interest in the reason behind the differences in average IQ around the world. This topic is also very controversial. The argument is brought about by whether these differences in IQ are created by genetics or environmental components.
What is the average IQ in the United States
In IQ tests, the average score is roughly 100. After every few years, the test is revised by psychologists to retain 100 as the average score. The average IQ of many people, about 70% of the people, has an average IQ ranging from 85 to 115. A very small population of people has a low IQ score below 70. The same case happens to people with high IQ. They are not many. The score of these people is anything above 130.
In the United States, the average IQ is 98. With this, the United States is ranked in position 24 worldwide. Other countries tied with the United States, such: as Denmark France. Australia, Czech Republic, Latvia and Spain. This research is according to Lynn and Me Isenberg in the year 2010. These researchers figured out each country’s average IQ and ranked them.
How do you measure IQ?
When we talk about the score of IQ tests, the next thing that comes to your mind is how this IQ is measured? In the United States, modern testing originated from a psychologist known as Henry Herbert Goddard. He helped interpret an intelligence test created by another psychologist from France called Alfred Binet to English. Test Alfred Binet used it to assess basic mental functions in school children.
Binet also wanted to help with mental health diagnoses. With time IQ tests have evolved widely. Right now, there are abundant different tests that are used to take measurements of your intelligence. Generally, IQ tests gauge a person’s reasoning and ability to solve problems. The most used IQ test include: Children Wechsler Intelligence (WISC-V), Adult Wechsler Intelligence Scale (WAIS), The Scale Stanford-Binet Intelligence.
A licensed psychologist administers these tests. The tests are comprised of several parts; The Wechsler Intelligence Scale is comprised of 15 subtests. In these subtests, everyone measures a different aspect of IQ. These aspects include language, math, memory, logical thinking and speed of processing information. All these aspects are then put together into one score called the Intelligent Quotient. The score has differed with different ages.
How has IQ progressed?
The raw scores of IQ have immensely increased in the United States and the rest of the world since the 1990s. This occurrence is severally referred to as the “Flynn effect,” named after the scientist who discovered James Flynn. In the 1980s, James Flynn spotted that the military personnel in the United States who had undergone the IQ tests were doing much better than those who had undergone the same tests in the 1950s.
After a lot of research, Flynn found out that IQ test scores were increasing around the world with about three points or even more after every ten years. Scientists say that this increase in IQ is because we have expanded our capacity for logical thinking and solving our problems. They also say it results from formal education, healthier nutrition and vaccinations.
Why IQ tests are controversial?
From the day intelligence tests were invented, the average IQ has is always disputed by people. A group of people inaccurately believe that some races or backgrounds have lower IQ because of their genes and that they are inferior. This piece of information has been made use of to create racist agendas worldwide. Studies haven’t come out with differences in average IQ test scores between men and women.
It’s very important to know that the whole idea of IQ and the IQ tests were invented by western European countries following their cultural standards. It’s not clear yet whether IQ can accurately measure intelligence in people with different social structures, cultures, beliefs the way they think. Environmental factors have a huge role in average IQ. Some of the elements that can be linked with increased IQ:
- Healthy nutrition
- Quality education
- Childhood musical training
- Improved socio-economic status
- Decreased incidence of infectious diseases
Conclusion
IQ is not the only way to measure intelligence. Some people have taken this opportunity to manipulate this information to defend the racist motives. An IQ score doesn’t give the whole story, and it just provides insights into intelligence.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
