Are IQ tests valid?

Some of you may have noticed that practice improves IQ score. As one keeps on taking IQ tests, one after the other, IQ score in general keeps improving. Does that mean IQ is increasing with each test ? or are the IQ tests (as they exist currently) valid ?

 

[phinds]

Some of you may have noticed that practice improves IQ score. As one keeps on taking IQ tests, one after the other, IQ score in general keeps improving. Does that mean IQ is increasing with each test ? or are the IQ tests (as they exist currently) valid ?

In short, no. There have been many theads on the subject here on PF. I suggest a forum search. The links at the bottom of this page are a good place to start.

Here on PF there are tens of thousands of users and hundreds of thousands of threads. It's always a good idea to start with a forum search when you have a question that a small amount of reflection will make you realize that it has very likely been asked before.

Calling @Evo

 

[OmCheeto]

Some of you may have noticed that practice improves IQ score.

If I take the same test over and over again, this is quite true.

As one keeps on taking IQ tests, one after the other, IQ score in general keeps improving.

Mine generally stays the same. But I only take them about once every 10 years, so I don't think I'm "practicing".
I only take them to make sure I'm not below 100, yet.

Does that mean IQ is increasing with each test ? or are the IQ tests (as they exist currently) valid ?

see Phinds' post.

 

[WWGD]

Some of you may have noticed that practice improves IQ score. As one keeps on taking IQ tests, one after the other, IQ score in general keeps improving. Does that mean IQ is increasing with each test ? or are the IQ tests (as they exist currently) valid ?

No, I think this says that the score is not independent on whether you have taken the test before. Still, isn't this true with any test? Now, we can try a separate experiment: prepare for the test _ without taking it_ if there is a (statistically) - significant difference between the two, maybe you can argue that Intelligence ( as implicitly defined) is not a menaingful construct. Notice that IQ/Intelligence are latent constructs and not direct observables, just as is the case with depression, etc. There are only so many different types of questions one may ask in an IQ ( or other type) of test. Knowing the answers in advance will undoubtedly affect your score.

 

[Vanadium 50]

First, you are talking about reliability, not validity.

Second, you need to ask "valid for what purpose". In identifying the presence and severity of developmental disorders, IQ tests play an important role. In providing fodder for bragging rights "Mine is a whole point higher than yours!" it's pure silliness. And in real life, accomplishments matter more than test scores.

 

[Evo]

First, you are talking about reliability, not validity.

Second, you need to ask "valid for what purpose". In identifying the presence and severity of developmental disorders, IQ tests play an important role. In providing fodder for bragging rights "Mine is a whole point higher than yours!" it's pure silliness. And in real life, accomplishments matter more than test scores.

V50 is correct, IQ tests were created to identify learning/develpmental disorders. When given by a certified psychologist testing for these disorders, they can be useful in getting appropriate help for the disabled person.

If you want to take these tests for fun, remember, these online tests amount to nothing more than games. If they make you feel good, great, if you don't score well, remember, they're online games. Don't let it bother you.

Thread closed.