What should be the role of IQ tests when determining giftedness? This is a very controversial question since the very definition of “gifted” is disputed among the experts. Since intelligence itself is difficult to define, validity of intelligence tests is hard to measure. At best, these tests should be used as pieces of the puzzle in determining a child’s ability. IQ tests do a reasonably good job of predicting academic and job success, but scores can be distorted. 

 

So, caution should be exercised when considering the results of an IQ test. When doing an Internet search for these tests, it is disturbing to see how many tests billing themselves as IQ tests are available for parents to purchase and administer to their children. Parents, unaware of validity and reliability issues, may be duped into purchasing one, giving it to their child, and then having unrealistic results and expectations. Even with recognized tests administered by trained psychologists, there are issues with the different versions of the tests.

 

Parents often get confused with test results—both IQ and achievement tests. Scores tend to vary from test to test and parents wonder why.  Since there are so many different tests, with each measuring something different, it is baffling.

 

Another area of controversy is the magical IQ score that makes one “gifted.” IQ scores are rising so dramatically, say researchers who study intelligence, that a high proportion of people considered average at the turn of the 20th century would be regarded as significantly below average by today's tests. Are people actually becoming smarter or do these rising scores mean something else?