People differ in the speed with which they learn things and how well and how long they remember ideas. They also differ in their ability to understand idea and to use their knowledge in solving their problems. For example, some people can solve mathematical problems rapidly. Others quickly understand how mathematic works. Still others can easily learn new words or a foreign language. All these abilities are factor in what is called intelligence. Intelligence testing is also known as Intelligence quotient (IQ). A person’s IQ is based on a comparison of his or her score on intelligence test with the scores of others in the same test.
Such a test determines the level of understanding and performance that the person has reached. It consists of a series of mental tasks arranged in order of difficulty. Most intelligence tests include tasks involving memory, reasoning, definitions, numerical ability, and recalling facts.
The scores of intelligence tests help teachers to judge whether children are progressing as well as their ability permits. But there are many problems in such tests. In designing an intelligence test, Psychologists try to use questions on subjects to which every person to be tested have been equally exposed. But this cannot be done perfectly. People may score somewhat higher if they take a test feeling well, rested and confident than if they feel ill or tired. Also, children labeled low may think they are expected to learn slowly even though they could progress more rapidly.