Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
This refers to the criticism that IQ tests may unfairly favor certain groups over others due to cultural, socioeconomic, or other factors not related to actual intelligence.
Related terms
Cultural Bias: This refers to the tendency for IQ tests to reflect the culture of those who designed them, potentially disadvantaging those from different cultures.
Socioeconomic Bias: This is when test results are influenced by social class and economic status rather than just cognitive abilities.
Test Validity: Refers to how well a test measures what it claims to measure. If an IQ test is biased, its validity could be questioned.