Q. What is IQ?
A. IQ (Intelligence Quotient) is a measure of a person's cognitive abilities relative to the general population. It is one of the most reliable predictors of life outcomes, including academic achievement, career success, and even health. Backed by over a century of psychometric research, IQ is one of the most well-established constructs in psychology.
IQ tests are based on the concept of g (general intelligence), which reflects a person's overall cognitive ability. The g factor is a mathematical construct that indicates the level of correlation between different cognitive tasks. Though abstract, g is grounded in human neurology. Studies show that 50-80% of variability in g is heritable, with factors such as brain structure and neural efficiency also playing a role.
Q. What is the Cattell-Horn Carroll Theory of intelligence?
A. The Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) Theory of Intelligence explains how general intelligence (g) can be broken down into broad cognitive factors.
Key components of the model include:
- FRI (Fluid Reasoning Index): Measures the ability to reason and solve novel problems, often through subtests like Matrix Reasoning and Figure Weights. It evaluates inductive reasoning by identifying relationships among visual objects and applying rules. FRI is closely related to PRI (Perceptual Reasoning Index).
- VCI (Verbal Comprehension Index): Assesses verbal reasoning and measures crystallized knowledge, including the ability to understand verbal concepts, draw conclusions, and use verbal knowledge. It reflects verbal intelligence through comprehension and reasoning tasks.
- VSI (Visual Spatial Index): Evaluates the ability to analyze visual details and spatial relationships. Tests like Block Design and Visual Puzzles are common, measuring how well individuals process visual patterns.
- QII (Quantitative Intelligence Index): Tests quantitative reasoning, focusing on solving problems involving numerical information. QII is often a subset of FRI, testing the ability to detect numerical patterns and solve problems logically.
- CPI (Cognitive Proficiency Index): Consists of WMI (Working Memory Index) and PSI (Processing Speed Index), evaluating how efficiently a person can process information and hold/manipulate it in short-term memory.
Together, these factors contribute to overall intelligence (g) and provide a comprehensive picture of cognitive strengths and weaknesses.
Q. Why are your tests different from other online tests?
A. Our tests are based on real IQ tests developed by professional psychologists for well-funded organizations like the US Army and ETS (Educational Testing Service). These tests were originally developed with rigorous scientific research and millions of test takers, ensuring their validity.
Our dashboard composites your results using the CHC model and a g estimator, providing a comprehensive, data-driven evaluation of your cognitive abilities. Unlike many online IQ tests that lack proper validation and are designed to grab money, our tests deliver exactly what they promise: an accurate and trustworthy measure of intelligence. You can also find transparent validation for each test at r/cognitiveTesting.
Q. How does your dashboard work?
A. Our dashboard has two main parts:
The first is a g estimator at the top, which attempts to estimate your latent g using every test you've taken so far. This estimate becomes more accurate as you complete more tests, which can be determined by the g-loading and reliability under the score.
The second part is a CHC estimator under the "Cognitive Profile" section, which categorizes your tests and estimates your broad factor scores. Here's how different tests contribute to each factor:
- VCI: SAT V, GRE V, CAIT VCI
- FRI: GRE A, CAIT PRI
- QII: SAT M, GRE Q, SMART
- VSI: CAIT VSI, PAT
- WMI: CAIT DS
- PSI: CAIT SS
Q. Can I have my employees, team or group take an IQ test on your site?
A. Absolutely. Our platform is designed to make it easy to administer IQ tests to your team or group. Please contact us at support@cognitivemetrics.co for discounted group pricing and assistance with setting up testing for your group.
Q. Are you going to sell my data?
A. No, we do not sell your email or personal data to any third parties, and we strictly adhere to a no-spam policy. We take privacy seriously and comply with all relevant privacy laws to ensure your information is handled responsibly.
