Can Intelligence be Measured with a Single Score?

Abstract

The measurement of human intelligence has been a subject of great interest for psychologists and mental health professionals. Many theories have been proposed on the subject; but no universal agreement exists between researchers on the ideal method for measuring intelligence. I personally believe that intelligence is a complex feature of human cognition; and cannot be measured with a single score. A vast number of Intelligence tests are available today and claim to be accurate. This paper aims to explain why intelligence cannot be measured with the help of a single score. It would also look into the past and current research on intelligence. I intend to prove that “Intelligence is a complex feature and cannot be measured by a single test/score”.

Introduction

In order to measure intelligence; one should understand its determinants first. Intelligence measurement involves measuring the rapidity and accuracy of cognitive functioning in a clinical setting. IQ tests exist all over the world and claim to measure intelligence accurately with little deviations. However, their reliability and validity is widely disputed. Intelligence should be measured with respect to its context and function in the society. However, if we consider intelligence to be something that aids people perform everyday functions then it is nothing more than a measure of the cognitive ability of the person. According to Friedman (2011), people can enhance their cognitive abilities with practice, using the proper tools and incorporating these tools in their lives.

Discussion

Measurement of Intelligence

The measurement of intelligence has been a vital topic among researchers for many years. Intelligence is a complex concept and researchers tend to disagree on its determinants and measurement (Kline, 1991). Until today there isn't a clear indentified method to measure intelligence universally.

The Binet-Simon intelligence scale is probably the most widely used and popular intelligence tests. Alfred Binet is associated with the development of the first aptitude test. It was meant to be used on children with learning disabilities. With time, it gained popularity and was used in other settings as well. Critics believe that the Alfred Binet test was reliable only for the measurement of the academic abilities of a child (Howe, 1997).

The Binet-Simon scale was later revised by Lewis Terman at the University of Stanford, but it maintained the concepts of metal and chronological age.

Measures of intelligence

Sir Francis Galton, a pioneer in the measurement of individual differences in late nineteenth-century England, was particularly concerned with sensory responses (visual and auditory acuity and reaction times) and their relationship to differences in ability.

Although, many standardized tests have been developed, but the issues of reliability and variability still remain. Intelligence still continues to be a popular topic among researchers. Many experts in the field believe that it is a wide concept and cannot be assessed with a single score.

Theories of Intelligence

The area of intelligence is widely studied under the rubric of Psychology. Many theories have been proposed on the subject, but some of the most famous are:

Theory of Individual Differences

In the late nineteenth century, ...