IQ Testing

Recently, I wrote about the intelligence trap. After years of complaining about this concept, it had occurred that I hadn't properly explained it. While writing about the intelligence trap, I once again brought up that IQ testing provides an imperfect measure of a subset of a subset of a subset of an opinion. I have been writing about this for years. As with the intelligence trap, I don't think I have properly explained my views.

An imperfect measure

For starters, there are things that can impact test results beyond just intelligence. For example, if you are hungry or tired for the test, that can impact your score. If this test is timed around such problems, that does not make you less an intelligent person. This measure is clearly imperfect from the beginning.

Of a subset

IQ testing generally provides a series of questions of several different types. Within each type, they can't possibly ask every question possible. Instead, you are given a subset. This subset tries to include diverse questions to help identify variable intelligence levels. Since not every question can be included, there is a bit of luck regarding which specific questions you are asked.

Of a subset

One line of questions isn't enough. Since there is an unlimited number of possible question types, the test creators have to pick a subset that they think will reflect overall intelligence. Again, they will try for diversity, but the types of questions will not reflect how well someone can answer unmeasured types of questions correctly.

Of a subset

A vast majority of thought does not fit right-or-wrong patterns. In an attempt to maximize objectivity, IQ testing is almost exclusively dependent on the ability to get questions right. There are some variants out there that look for such things as the speed in finding the correct answers, but these still focus on right answers. This means that such things as innovation, mental adaptability, and the development of opinions, which absolutely should be considered a part of intelligence, are completely neglected. Instead, IQ testing focuses on these right-or-wrong questions that make up a very small subset of intelligence.

Of an opinion

One of the reasons that IQ testing focuses on right-or-wrong questions is for the sake of objectivity. This is why the most subjective components of intelligence are completely neglected. To further complicate things, intelligence is a matter of opinion. Even in seemingly objective measures, questions will generally reflect the personal opinions of the test creators in what to test. This will result in a measure biased towards the views of the test creators.

To disprove the validity of IQ testing, all you need to do is recognize that intelligence is a matter of opinion. It is impossible to measure something as subjective as intelligence in a truly objective and neutral manner. This is common sense. This is why I tend to look down on people who use IQs as proof of intelligence. If you defy common sense in favor of an imperfect measure of a subset of a subset of a subset of an opinion, I'm not going to accept that as proof of intelligence.