How to Avoid Misunderstandings Concerning the Intelligent Quotient (IQ) Tests

Intelligence quotient tests, or better known as the IQ tests, are cognitive ability tests that are often used to establish the mental ability or capacity of children in relation to the age of children and relative to children around the same age. Very often, the measurement of these tests and the results thereof create false impressions, leading to stigma associated with poor performance, in the ability tests. Yet, the reality is that tested intelligence or intelligence test scores should be used to describe potential rather than categorize a person. Many stereotypes have been the result of such labeling and it is often difficult to move beyond them, both for the person tested and for those aware of the results. This article explores ways to avoid falling into such misunderstandings.