intelligence quotient

noun

, Psychology.

1. an intelligence test score that is obtained by dividing mental age, which reflects the age-graded level of performance as derived from population norms, by chronological age and multiplying by 100: a score of 100 thus indicates a performance at exactly the normal level for that age group. : IQ

intelligence quotient

noun

1. a measure of the intelligence of an individual derived from results obtained from specially designed tests. The quotient is traditionally derived by dividing an individual's mental age by his chronological age and multiplying the result by 100 IQ

intelligence quotient

1. A number meant to measure intelligence. Once the standard measure of human mental capacity; now widely considered to be neither accurate nor fair. Controversy exists today over the effect of race and class on scores and whether IQ tests really measure intelligence. Tests of special aptitudes and personality factors are now favored over the pure intelligence test.

Notes

The IQ was originally calculated using the ratio of a person's “mental age” (as measured by a standardized test) and chronological age. An IQ between 90 and 110 is considered average; over 120, superior. ( See Stanford-Binet scale .) Few tests still include the controversial notion of mental age.

Word History and Origins

Origin of intelligence quotient¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

"Past research has suggested that general intelligence -- often referred to as intelligence quotient or IQ -- has a heritability ranging from 50% to 80%," says senior and corresponding author Xiaohong Wan of Beijing Normal University in China.

From Science Daily

The research group that conducted the study, led by Denise Andrzejewski of the University of Vienna, sees this observation as initial evidence that attention is also subject to the Flynn effect, a phenomenon that was observed in many countries in the mid- to late 20th century, in which the population’s mean IQ, or intelligence quotient—as measured through standardized testing—rose from generation to generation.

From Scientific American

The Athletic Intelligence Quotient emphasizes spatial awareness and fast-paced decision-making, the Troutwine Athletic Profile rates a dozen “performance traits” such as composure and grit, and Human Resource Tactics uses testing that purports to gauge, among other things, an athlete’s love of the game.

From New York Times

Pollsters John McLaughlin and Scott Rasmussen reported Wednesday that their Small Business Intelligence Quotient rose by 1 point, from 55 out of 100 in December to 56 in January.

From Washington Times

This number was divided by the child’s chronological age to arrive at her intelligence quotient, or IQ.

From Slate