Stanford Binet IQ Test

A Series of Tests

Employers who want to hire the best out there use the Stanford Binet IQ test. It is a series of tests that will determine a person’s intelligence in different key areas, the results of which will help the employer make the right choices and business decisions as far as hiring is concerned.

You may have taken the Stanford Binet IQ test when you were in school. Today, employers also use this test before hiring employees if they want to ensure that the potential employees are within their range of IQ standards. Although this test has been revised several times, it is still considered as one of the most effective IQ tests. The most recent version of the test is the fifth edition. Aside from school placement, the test is also used to measure brain impairments. The test is also an effective way to measure superb or extraordinary intelligence. In cases like this, the child is placed in a special school for the gifted in order to properly nurture his development.

The Brief History

The Stanford-Binet IQ test is perhaps one that may be dubbed as the grandfather of IQ tests. It originated in France when the French government commissioned a psychologist named Alfred Binet. The main purpose of the development of the test was to identify children who had mental deficiencies so they can be enrolled in special classes. It was in 1916 when the original test developed by Binet was revised and was then called the Stanford-Binet.

In 1916, the early editions of the Stanford Binet IQ test only tested vocabulary. Today, you can take the test to measure cognitive ability, non-verbal routing and verbal scales, and other forms of intelligence. Anyone between 2-85 years of age can take the test and the results are reliable since the editions or changes are always checked for statistical significance and accuracy.

Since IQ is dependent on the existing population’s normal intelligence, the test has to undergo revisions every now and then. It’s not that it is erroneous but it’s just a matter of importance to ensure that the test results are still accurate.

The Test Administration

If an employer requires you to take this test, you should expect to take 10 other tests. The Stanford Binet IQ Test is comprised of 10 subtests but there are only three books that cover all these. Perhaps you are wondering how much it costs. Well, it is $1200. Depending on the content of the test, the price range will also vary. The fifth edition is also designed to make the test experience easier and less stressful so the test is designed in the form of a game. Depending on your age, your starting point will also vary. Based on the standard, though, here is the order of the test:

Item Book 1 – this is made of routing subtests

Item Book 2 – Nonverbal Fluid Reasoning

Item Book 3 – Verbal Knowledge test

Since there are several packets of the test, you may not be able to take all of the item books. This depends on the kind of test package that your employer bought and this is also dependent on the kind of industry your potential employer is in. Some employers in the numbers business will not buy the Verbal Knowledge book of the Stanford Binet IQ test because they have no use for it.

The Test Factors

There are five factors being tested in the Stanford Binet IQ test. These are Fluid Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Knowledge, Visual Spatial Processing, and Working Memory.

Fluid Reasoning

This test measures a person’s ability to solve problems. The tests are made of symbols that are included in both the Verbal and Analogy tests. What the test aims to measure is the extent or degree that a person can use his inductive reasoning.

Quantitative Reasoning

This test aims to measure a person’s reasoning abilities through numbers and logical thinking. The problems presented are non-verbal in nature and if you take this test, your main objective is to analyze what is presented and find a solution.

Knowledge

What this measures is specific to memory to see how you are in terms of knowledge acquisition. Essentially, you need to remember the things you have learned in the past and apply them in situations occurring around your environment.

Visual Spatial Processing

This test uses visualization and it intends to measure your ability to construct things through your reasoning. Most of these tests are made of puzzles in which you have to supply the missing area using deductive reasoning.

Working Memory

The last factor that is tests is called working memory. In this test, you are being measured on your reading comprehension and your ability to acquire verbal knowledge or vocabulary.