Beneficial Uses of IQ Tests

Test Sections

• The most commonly used standard IQ is the Stanford-Binet Test. The current test has been revised several times and is referred to as the Stanford-Binet 5. The test is divided into a verbal scale and performance scale. The verbal scale is subdivided into sections that measure such tasks as an individual's grasp of vocabulary and understanding of similarities between words. The performance scale is divided into sections that measure ability to complete such tasks as putting blocks together to form patterns. The verbal scale and the performance scale are graded separately. The results are combined for a single score.

Identification of Strengths

• An intelligence test can help someone identify their academic strengths. A person may discover a previous unknown verbal fluency, or become more aware of numeric abilities or spatial perception understanding. Understanding your strengths can help you prepare for a career that utilizes your innate abilities.

Identification of Weaknesses

• The result of an IQ test can also help you identify areas where you may have academic or cognitive deficits. This can inspire you to work harder in those areas to shore up your skills. Knowing that you are not innately good at a certain specific subject can also help you decide to avoid a career in that field because you may not enjoy it.

School Placement

• Administrators can use IQ tests to help with academic placement. Students who are gifted in language acquisition may be placed in classes with other quick readers. Such placement can help them avoid boredom and provide them with additional motivation for remaining in school.

Help Disabled Students

• Students who are found to have specific cognitive deficits as a result of intelligence testing can get the help they need to succeed in school. Educators can design a course of study that helps students who may struggle with reading, math skills or spatial perception awareness learn better. School officials may decide to decrease class size and provide struggling students with extra time from teachers and access to teacher's aides during the day. This can ultimately help them catch up to their peers academically.