Testing Of Intelligence In Human Beings


This article explains the advantages and uses of testing intelligence,and explains few tests

Intelligent tests


Testing of intelligence is an important aspect in psychology. There are several tests which are used to measure intelligence. The prominent among them are :
1. Individual test
2. Group test
3. Verbal test
4. Non - verbal test
5. Performance test
6. Speed test
7. Power test


Individual test

As the name indicates this test can be given to only one individual at a time. If there are more than one person, we need as many examiners as there are candidates. The instructions have to be given individually naturally it consumes a lot of time to test the individuals. However there are many advantages in this test. There is no scope for prompting and copying. These is a direct contact between the examiner and the subject.This helps in clearing the doubt of the subject quickly. Since it's an individual test, the result that we obtain are highly reliable.
However the individual test cannot be used at times of emergency when a large number of people have to be tested. It involves a large number of people who have to act as examiners and also it consumes lot of time, energy and money. An example for this test is Binets Simon test.

Group test

Group test of intelligence is so named because it can be given to a large number of people at the same time. The group test was 1st constructed during the world war periods in America to test the intelligence of people who had to join army. There are two group tests called army alpha and army beta. Army alpha is a verbal group test and army beta is a performance group test.
A group test has many advantages
  • It can be given to a number of people at the same time

  • We need only a few people to administer the test

  • The instructions are simple and common to all

  • It saves a lot of energy and money

  • However it has some defects too. There is a lot of scope for copying and prompting. Since there is no face to face contact between the examiner and the subject, if the subject has any doubt it cannot be clarified easily.

    Verbal test

    This test makes use of language. Hence the individual who is taking the test must have mastery over the language in which the test is contructed. It includes items like vocabulary verbal anology general information etc. Obviously this test cannot be given to very young children, illeterates, foreigners and deaf mute ( cannot speak) children.

    Non - verbal test

    In this test there is no usage of language. The items included in the test are pictures completion, pictures arrangements etc. This test can be given to all people of all ages.

    Performance test

    In this test a person has to perform a task using some items or materials. Here a person must have a good co - ordination between eye and hand. A performance test can be given to illiterates, foreigners, young children and deaf and mute. An example for this test in Alexanders Battery of performance test.

    Speed test

    Speed test of intelligence finds out the speed in which the individual is able to finish a task. Here we are not interested in the quality of work.

    Power test

    Power test of intelligence is aimed at finding out the quality of the task finished by a person. Here no stress is laid on the speed.

    Uses of intelligence test

  • Intelligence tests are used in admitting to the students to various coursed on the basis of the performance of an individual. He is offered a course of study that suits his ability and interest.

  • They are also used in selecting candidates for various course in industries and companies

  • Intelligence tests are used extensively in army and other forces in selecting and training the candidates

  • They are also used to measure the intelligence of the children and find out the intelligent quotient. This will help in finding out whether the child is normal below normal or above normal in intelligence

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