For years, IQ test results have become a benchmark for measuring a person's intelligence. But as time goes by, IQ test results are no longer the only determinant of intelligence. There are many factors in a person that determine his intelligence.
IQ is often defined as cognitive abilities, talents, intellectual abilities, thinking abilities, and the ability to use logic in general. The IQ test has also become a standardized test designed to assess a person's intelligence, whether it is less, average, or superior. Almost everyone wants to get a high score or score on an IQ test, because a high IQ score is considered to be able to determine a person's success, both in education and career.
However, this assumption is not correct. Psychologists believe that there are other components in a person that play a role in determining intelligence and success, and these components cannot be assessed through IQ tests.
IQ Test Function
In general, IQ tests are used to:
- Measuring academic ability in schools.
- Material for consideration in choosing a major (study) or career.
- Predict work ability.
- Know the ability of analysis and problem solving.
- Assess intellectual barriers.
An IQ test can be the first step in diagnosing intellectual problems. If a child scores very low on an IQ test, the doctor may recommend other tests, such as an adaptive skills exam and a psychiatric medical exam, to determine the cause of the learning disability.
Why IQ Tests Can't Be a Benchmark?
Despite its widespread use, IQ tests to determine a person's intelligence have received a lot of criticism over the years. IQ tests are judged unfairly to people who lack cognitive abilities, and are considered to override the importance of a person's creativity, character, empathy, or social skills and spiritual intelligence.
In fact, according to a study of more than 100,000 participants showed that intelligence has at least three different components. So, IQ tests cannot be used as the only benchmark in determining a person's level of intelligence. Researchers explain that the complexity of the human brain has grown, so ideas about IQ must also be adjusted or changed.
In addition, the theory of multiple intelligences has also developed, in which intelligence is not only measured logically-mathematically, but also in the verbal-linguistic, spatial-visual, musical, intrapersonal, naturalist, interpersonal, and existentialist fields.
Factors Affecting Intelligence
There are many ways that can be done so that the brain and intelligence can be stimulated from an early age, one of which is by listening to classical music. However, what can actually affect a person's intelligence?
- GgeneticResearch shows that genetic factors play a big role in a person's intelligence. Children born to parents with a high level of intelligence are more likely to be intelligent children, as long as the child is raised with the right parenting style.
- EnvironmentIn addition to genetic factors, interactions and family relationships, education, social environment, and social environment also affect a person's IQ.
- breast milkChildren who are exclusively breastfed are believed to have a higher IQ than those who are not. The nutritional content of breast milk is thought to improve brain development, nervous system, and cognitive abilities. However, this statement still requires further evidence and research.
- CreativityWhile IQ tests don't always measure this component, research shows that creativity levels also have an effect on a person's intelligence. From this study, it can be seen that people who have a high level of creativity have a tendency to be open-minded and enjoy learning.
IQ test results are still used as a benchmark in assessing intelligence in many fields, but this is not correct. To determine the level of intelligence of a person, it is necessary to do a thorough examination by a psychologist.
