Answer to Question #241550 in Psychology for Prof.

Question

According to the textbook (Chapter 7) "The IQ test has been synonymous with intelligence for over a century."

Discuss the strengths and limitations of defining intelligence based on the performance on a standardized test.

Answer 1

Standardized Test

Certain cognitive and perceptual abilities of the subject being tested are certainly

evaluated by intelligence tests. However, intelligence tests such as the MENSA tests do not

provide a complete picture of the subject's abilities. There are various types of intelligence

(musical, motor, social, and cognitive.) This type of test is unlikely to be able to assess a

subject's musical intelligence. Mozart may not have had a high IQ, but no one can deny that he

was a genius.