Intelligence Quotient (IQ)

Definition

IQ is a score derived from standardized tests designed to assess human intelligence. It's calculated by dividing the test taker's mental age by their chronological age and multiplying by 100.

Analogy

Think of IQ as a speedometer in a car. Just as a speedometer measures how fast your car is going, an IQ test measures how 'fast' or efficient your cognitive abilities are.

Related terms

Standardized Test: A type of test that is administered and scored in a consistent manner to ensure legal defensibility.

G Factor: This term refers to the general intelligence factor that according to some psychologists underlies specific mental abilities measured by intelligence tests.

Multiple Intelligences: A theory proposed by Howard Gardner suggesting that there are different types of intelligences (like linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical etc.) rather than just one single measure of intelligence.