What does the intelligence quotient (IQ) measure?

What does the intelligence quotient (IQ) measure?

• A. The emotional stability of an individual
• B. The deviation from average performance on intelligence tests
• C. The number of years of education completed
• D. The amount of memory a person possesses

Answer: (B)

The intelligence quotient (IQ) primarily measures an individual's deviation from average performance on standardized intelligence tests. It is designed to assess cognitive abilities relative to a normative sample. Typically, the average IQ score is set at 100, and a person's score indicates how much above or below average their intellectual capability lies based on the results of the tests applied. The scoring reflects various cognitive skills, including problem-solving, reasoning, and the ability to understand complex ideas. By evaluating these skills and comparing them against the average performance of a large group, IQ serves as a benchmark for understanding cognitive abilities and potential intellectual performance in certain areas. While there may be factors like years of education or memory that can influence cognitive performance, these are not directly measured by IQ itself. Instead, IQ focuses more broadly on intellectual functioning and problem-solving skills rather than specific aspects such as emotional stability or memory capacity.

The intelligence quotient (IQ) primarily measures an individual's deviation from average performance on standardized intelligence tests. It is designed to assess cognitive abilities relative to a normative sample. Typically, the average IQ score is set at 100, and a person's score indicates how much above or below average their intellectual capability lies based on the results of the tests applied.

The scoring reflects various cognitive skills, including problem-solving, reasoning, and the ability to understand complex ideas. By evaluating these skills and comparing them against the average performance of a large group, IQ serves as a benchmark for understanding cognitive abilities and potential intellectual performance in certain areas.

While there may be factors like years of education or memory that can influence cognitive performance, these are not directly measured by IQ itself. Instead, IQ focuses more broadly on intellectual functioning and problem-solving skills rather than specific aspects such as emotional stability or memory capacity.