Blog 5: IQ Tests

            Neisser (1996) started off stating, “Individuals differ from one another in their ability to understand complex ideas, to adapt effectively to the environment, to learn from experience, to engage in various forms of reasoning, to overcome obstacles by taking thought” (pg. 77).  This hit home for me due to being an educator for the past five years.  All students are different in their own way and that includes their learning styles.  When working with students you always want to make sure you are presenting information in a variety of ways to ensure that you are meeting each of the students needs.  However, there are factors that affect the students learning performance. 

Nesisser (1996) brought up the fact that many factors correlate with intelligence which is school performance, years of education, social status and income, job performance, and social outcomes.  The first factor, school performance, depends on personal characteristics of the students.  If the student wants to do well, then they will put their full effort to be successful.  Encouragement goes hand in hand because it is vital that the students receive support not only at school but at home as well.  The second factor, years of education, which has shown that the higher the test scores the more education they receive.  In this section, Neisser (1996) brought up the example of SAT’s and GRE’s.  This example affected me in many ways and made me question the research that was found.  I understand that this could be true to a point; however, the scores that I received would not predict that I accomplished my masters.  I do not take test well which I am aware is a weakness of mine.  Due to this reality, I have pushed myself to work hard so that I could accomplish the many things that I have.  Next, with social status and income, it comes down to the support that they are receiving at home.  It has been found that the children that are more likely to achieve high school status are those of privileged family.  Then, with job performance, it was stated that IQ scores are to be the “best available predictor.”  This can determine the job that you will most likely achieve when you are older.  Finally, with social outcomes, the students that are alienated or unsuccessful in school will most likely lead to delinquent behavior. 

In conclusion, I feel as though IQ can help you in determining aspects of people’s lives but at the same point should not be the sole instrument we use as educators and counselors.  As stated before, we all learn differently and there are many social factors that can affect our performance.     

Neisser, U., Boodoo, G., Bouchard, T.J., Boykin, A.W., Brody, N., Ceci, S. J., Halpern, D.F., Loehlin, J.C., Perloff, R., Sternberg, R.J., & Urbina, S. (1996). Intelligence: Knowns and Unknowns. American Psychologist, 51(2), 77-101.