How to Answer IQ Tests

The Intelligence Quotient test was developed in the early 1900's in an attempt to quantify a person's intelligence. Despite criticism of gender bias and social constructs that skew test results, the Intelligence Quotient (IQ) test is still a widely-respected diagnostic tool. The IQ test does not test knowledge or absorbed information; instead, it gives you puzzles to test your quickness and adaptability to new mental challenges. Although it's difficult to boost your IQ score, you can take several steps to optimize your potential.

Instructions

• 1

  Visualize the problem. If pen and paper are allowed, try sketching out some possible answers. Seeing the puzzle on paper, or clearly in your mind, will make the question seem concrete and answerable.

• 2

  Avoid the "Joe Bloggs" answer. Imagine Joe Bloggs is an average test-taker with an average IQ. When Joe Bloggs takes a test, he always puts the obvious-looking answer. For instance, consider this puzzle: You drive to your aunt's house at 40 mph, and you drive home at 30 mph. What was your average speed? Joe Bloggs would simply average the two numbers and answer 35 mph. But remember, such a simple question probably wouldn't be asked on a tricky test such as the IQ test. (The answer will be between 31 and 34 mph, depending on how far away the aunt lives). Avoiding the easy "Joe Bloggs" answer will help you solve some tricky questions on the IQ test.

• 3

  Know when to give up. The IQ test is timed; the faster you complete the test, the higher your score will be. So if you are absolutely stuck on a problem, move on. You don't want to waste too much time on a question that you have no idea how to solve.