Today we will talk about an important moment in a life of high potential: the IQ test. What is that? How's it going? We'll see all this.
The purpose of this article is to give you an overview of what is being done in this test of intellectual quotient for you to approach with more serenity. It would be a shame to stress myself too much because it can distort the results (and after that you have to wait at least two years before you can iron it!).
My name is Paul and my high potential was detected more than ten years ago now. And today, on Connect The Dots, I share what I learned to help the little new ones accept.
NB: This article is the transcript of the video above
The IQ test
So as promised we will talk about IQ tests and more particularly WAIS (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale). It's Weschler's intelligence scale, so it's a scale that can measure intelligence. It gives an intellectual quotient score. There are several scales that exist in the world but I'm going to take this one because it's the one that is most used (and which is especially used in Europe, so if you read this article there's a lot of chance that it's the one that interests you). WAIS is the adult version. There is also the WISC (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children) which is the version for children. So depending on your age, you're not going to pass the same ladder. But then the idea is the same.
I'll talk in this article about version 4, WAIS 4. If I don't say nonsense now we're at 5. It has evolved a little, but I haven't found much info yet. Also, what I advise you to do is not prepare you too much for this test. Here I'll give you the steps and what's going to happen in your trial, but don't try to train because it's really going to distort the results and that's not the point.
The IQ test takes place in three stages. There is first the first stage which is the maintenance. We're not gonna talk too much about it today. Basically, it's a conversation with your shrink. The goal is to be confident that it will go best and not to stress, to distort the results as little as possible; and to be able to discuss also the reason why you are taking this test. Then there is the test itself. And then at least 24 hours after you have the results.
The 4 indices of the IQ test
So we're gonna go through the test part. What's going on in this IQ test? Already what we need to know is that we divide the intellectual quotient into four parts.
The verbal understanding index
First, we have the verbal comprehension index. It's to schematize (I'm really only going to outline here) the general culture. We'll ask you about your long-term memory and your verbal expression.
Perceptual reasoning index
Then there is the index of perceptive reasoning. That's all about your logical reasoning. We're going to ask you to create mental images, or solve problems that are new. We have to analyze. Here the goal is to see how you manage to solve problems, but in a new way, without using your memory.
Labour memory index
Then we have the working memory index or we're going to use your memory and especially short-term memory. This will be your ability to hold and manipulate information.
The processing speed index
And then fourth and last index which is the processing speed index. Here we see how you manage to work, understand, and think quickly and just (without being wrong). So that's the four main categories.
Subtests of the WAIS 4 IQ test
In its four main categories, you will have several tests called subtests. In all there are at least 10 that are mandatory, and then there are five that are optional. Those that are mandatory you will see I would have put them in black and optional in grey. Some are going to be timed: there is a small time you will see.
Besides, it is also there that the part discussions with your shrink at the beginning serves because each subtest will allow you to question and look at a small part, a part of your intelligence if you want. Depending on your needs and why you're doing this test, we're going to pass more or less optional details. The ten mandatory you will not have the choice, but the five optional is where the interview comes into play.
Subtests of the verbal comprehension index
So we start with the subtests of the verbal comprehension index.
Similarity
The first is similarity. I'll explain to you quickly what this is with a little example if I think about it. Know that these are not real examples. It's really about giving you an idea. And above all, I repeat: you must not train because it will distort everything. So the similarity is to explain how two words or two concepts look alike (like a t-shirt and pants).
Vocabulary
Then the vocabulary is to give the definition of a word.
Information
Information is about answering questions of general culture. So that's where you see your general culture. For example, "from what temperature does water start to boil? "
Understanding
And understanding is answering questions that will show you understand the social rules. You see here for example the first three subtests are mandatory and the last one of understanding is optional.
Subtests of the Perceptive Reasoning Index
Then we move on to the index of perceptive reasoning.
Cube
We start with the cube that is timed: you will be timed to pass it. In fact, we will give you little cubes with faces that will be all white, all red, or with stripes. With these little cubes you have to redo a big shape. It's to see your visualization in space.
Matrix
Then the matrix really looks like Raven's Matrix. I don't know if you've seen it before. In fact you are shown a series (usually 3) geometric shapes and you have to guess how the fourth will be.
Visual Puzzles
Then the visual puzzles: you have a geometric shape that is broken into several pieces. You must be able to tell which group of pieces can be reconstructed (and you are timed).
Additional images
Then you have the additional images. So this I found on the lists but I'm unable to tell you what it is.
Balance
Balance: you need to rebalance a balance with symbols that each have a value.
Subtests of the working memory index
Then we move on to work memory.
Arithmetic
Lithmetic (the one that mathematicians will love) your psychologist will give you a mathematical problem in the oral and you have to solve it head on.
Memory of numbers
Then the memory of the numbers. There it gets a little bit complicated. It is divided into three distinct parts.
In the first one, we'll give you a set of numbers that you need. We'll tell you "5, 6, 7, 8" and you have to say "5, 6, 7, 8" (but it'll be longer).
Second step: you have to say it in reverse so you have "5, 6, 7, 8" and you have to say "8, 7, 6, 5".
And then in ascending order: "8, 5, 6, 7," becomes "5, 6, 7, 8". They are given to you in disorder. You must say them in ascending order.
Number/letter sequence
And after last step (optional): the sequence letters and numbers. So this is the same thing: your psychologist will give you in a random order of numbers and letters. For example, "B, 7, 5, 2". And you have to repeat them in ascending order – first the numbers and then the letters. Here "2, 5, 7, B". Well, we should have put a letter in more for it to work. But you understand the idea.
Subtests of the processing speed index
Then the processing speed index.
Symbols
The first subtest is the symbols (which is also timed). You need to experience symbols on a line.
Codes
Codes are quite complicated. You need to report symbols on one line while relying on another code template that is located on the page. It's a little complicated.
Dam
And the last one: the dam (which is always timed). Geometric shapes must be barred by respecting shapes and colours. I'm not telling you any more.
Well, you saw that overall I was very blurry about the tests, because I don't want you to get ready. The purpose of this video is not that, it's to show you the broad outlines of what will happen to go unstressed and in the best possible conditions. But the IQ test doesn't review.
The test report of QI WAIS 4 with your psychologist
And finally, the last step: the report that takes place at least 24 hours after the test has passed so that your psychologist can study the results. The goal is tointerpret your IQ score.
What is very important when you are this step is that you ask for an oral and written report. You must already have a trace of it, but also because it needs to be discussed with your therapist. The goal is that you must understand all the scores: the score of each subtest, the overall score of each index, and the overall score of your IQ. All this by discussing the different applications of each part to allow you to have a detailed analysis and understand how your brain works.
Above all, what you don't have to do is just get a number without explanation, type "you have 132 IQ", point. This figure is worth nothing without all the explanation with it.
