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IQ Test Results Are Not the Only Determinants of Intelligence

For many 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 sole determinant of intelligence. There are many factors in someone who determine intelligence. IQ is often interpreted as cognitive abilities, talents, intellectuals, thinking abilities, and the ability to use logic in general. IQ tests also become standardized tests designed to assess a person's intelligence, whether lacking, average, or superior. Almost everyone wants to get a high score on an IQ test, because a high IQ score is considered to be able to determine one's success, both in education and in a career. However, this assumption is not right. Psychologists believe that there are other components in a person that play a role in determining intelligence and success, and this component cannot be assessed through IQ tests.

IQ Test Function

In general IQ tests are used for:
  • Measuring academic ability in school.
  • Material for consideration in choosing a major (study) or career.
  • Predict work ability.
  • Knowing the ability of analysis and problem solving.
  • Assessing intellectual barriers.
IQ tests can be the first step in diagnosing intellectual problems. If a child scores very low on an IQ test, the doctor may recommend other examinations, such as an examination of adaptive skills and psychiatric medical examinations, to determine the cause of learning disabilities.

Why Can't an IQ Test Be a Benchmark?

Even though it has been widely used, IQ tests to determine one's intelligence have received a lot of criticism over the years. IQ tests are considered unfair to people who lack cognitive abilities, and are considered to override the importance of creativity, character, empathy, or social abilities and spiritual intelligence of a person. In fact, according to a study of more than 100,000 participants, intelligence has at least three different components. So, an IQ test cannot be the only benchmark in determining a person's intelligence level. Researchers explain that the complexity of the human brain has evolved, so the idea of ​​IQ must also be adjusted or changed. In addition, the theory of compound intelligence has also developed, where intelligence is not only measured logically-mathematically, but also in the fields of verbal-linguistic, spatial-visual, musical, intrapersonal, naturalist, interpersonal, and existentialist.

Factors Affecting Intelligence

Many ways are done so that the brain and intelligence can be stimulated early on, one of them by listening to classical music. However, what actually can affect one's intelligence?

  • Genetic

    • Research shows that genetic factors play a large role in a person's intelligence. Children born to parents with a high level of intelligence are more likely to be intelligent children, provided the child is raised with proper parenting.

  • Environment

    • In addition to genetic factors, family interactions and relationships, education, social environment, and social environment also influence one's IQ.

  • Breast Milk

    • Children who get exclusive breastfeeding are believed to have higher IQs than those who do not. The nutritional content of breast milk is thought to improve brain development, the nervous system, and cognitive abilities. However, this statement still requires further evidence and research.

  • Creativity

    • Although IQ tests cannot always assess this component, research shows that the level of creativity also influences one's intelligence. The study shows that people who have a high level of creativity have a tendency to be open-minded and like to learn.
IQ test results are still used as a benchmark in assessing intelligence in many fields, but this is not right. To ensure the level of intelligence of a person, it is necessary to do a thorough examination by a psychologist.

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