We offer many different types of IQ tests. The most common are the WISC and the WAIS, originally designed by psychologist David Wechsler. They are the most widely used intelligence tests because they have been exceptionally researched, meticulously designed, and proven to measure what they set out to measure. That said, different types of intelligence tests, including verbal and nonverbal tests of intelligence, may better fit specific questions and populations.
We work carefully to ensure that the type of evaluation we choose matches you or your child. We get to know you enough to make that choice, and we’ll educate you so you can make an informed decision. Of course, you can contact us anytime or schedule a consultation to review all of this, but here is some information to get you started.
Different Types of Intelligence Tests Overview
Here are some common categories of IQ evaluations:
Age-Based Types of Intelligence Tests
IQ shows up differently at different ages. Thus, we often choose the most common one for each age group, including:
- Infant and Toddler evaluations assess early cognitive development for very young children. These intelligence assessments rely less on verbal communication and more on hands-on skills demonstrations.
- Childhood evaluations aim to assess children’s IQ. They are developmentally appropriate for children in the activities they present and the instructions that must be understood. The most common intelligence test for this group is the WISC IQ test.
- Adolescent evaluations are tailored to assess IQ in adolescents. These usually comprise the harder items in the WISC or the easier items in the WAIS. In other words, when an adolescent takes the WISC, the starting point in each subtest may be later.
- Adult evaluations are designed for individuals 16 years of age and older. The WAIS IQ test is the most common for adults, but others may be used for specific populations.
Different Types of IQ Tests for Specific Abilities
IQ generally measures an overall score encompassing many broad cognitive domains. Still, in some cases, people want a specific assessment of an individual domain, such as memory, processing speed, or mathematical reasoning. Here are some other examples:
- Fluid Intelligence is thinking logically and solving novel problems without relying on previous knowledge.
- Crystallized Intelligence measures acquired knowledge and skills dependent on education and experience. Vocabulary and general knowledge are examples of crystallized IQ.
- Adaptive Intelligence is an individual’s ability to adapt to new situations and problem-solving skills in real-world contexts.
Different Types of IQ Tests for Other Reasons
Aside from the types of intelligence tests listed above, there are other reasons why we might look to give a different one, such as:
Culture-Fair or Non-Biased Types of IQ Tests
We have some choices for people concerned that certain evaluations may present cultural or socio-economic bias in assessment, such as Cattell’s Culture Fair Intelligence measure. If you are concerned that some of the most widely used intelligence tests may not suit you or your child due to cultural bias, we would be happy to review your other potential choices.
Aptitude Tests
While there is debate about how aptitude relates to IQ, many, most notably Howard Gardner, have theorized that certain skills or abilities relate to a particular intellectual domain, such as music, art, or mechanical reasoning. We can give these aptitude assessments, often combined with one of the more widely used intelligence tests, to describe one of these less common groups.
Different Types of IQ Tests for Groups
Some different types of intelligence tests are designed for group administration, such as when a group will work together. It is helpful to tease out specific strengths and weaknesses to ensure that the group output is the best. Some measures are often broken up into specific subsets of abilities so we can compare and contrast among the group to determine the best group functioning combinations. Verbal and nonverbal tests of intelligence can both be given to groups.
Verbal and Nonverbal Tests of Intelligence
General IQ tests assess overall cognitive functioning and provide a global IQ score. Nonverbal (also called “performance”) IQ assessments focus on assessing cognitive abilities without relying heavily on language skills. An example of one of the most used in this area is the Raven’s Progressive Matrices. This is one of the most widely used intelligence tests for people with a language barrier or for whom the use of language presents a barrier. On the other hand, verbal assessments may be used for individuals with physical challenges that emphasize language-based cognitive abilities, including verbal comprehension and reasoning. For example, the verbal parts of the WAIS and WISC can give information about verbal-side IQ.
Next, we give a more detailed look at verbal and nonverbal tests of IQ.
Verbal Tests of Intelligence
Verbal evaluations assess abilities related to understanding and using language. They measure vocabulary, comprehension, verbal reasoning, and expressive language skills. Some of the most widely used intelligence tests that are verbally-based are:
- Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS): The verbal section includes subtests such as Vocabulary, Similarities, Information, and Comprehension.
- Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales: This includes verbal reasoning tasks assessing vocabulary, comprehension, and analogies.
- Peabody Picture Vocabulary (PPVT): Measures spoken words and vocabulary understanding.
- Woodcock-Johnson: Includes verbal comprehension, general information, and verbal analogies.
Nonverbal Tests of Intelligence
Nonverbal evaluations assess cognitive abilities without relying on language. These are particularly useful for individuals with language impairments, hearing difficulties, or those not fluent in that language. Nonverbal ones measure pattern recognition, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving skills. Some of the most widely used intelligence tests that are nonverbal include:
- Raven’s Progressive Matrices: Consists of visual pattern-matching tasks that measure abstract reasoning and problem-solving skills.
- Leiter International Performance Scale: Designed for children and adults, it assesses nonverbal IQ through pattern recognition and logical reasoning tasks.
- Naglieri Nonverbal Ability (NNAT): Uses shapes and designs to measure general ability and problem-solving skills.
- Wechsler Nonverbal Scale of Ability (WNV): Specifically designed for culturally and linguistically diverse groups, it includes Matrices, Coding, Object Assembly, and Recognition.
Verbal and Nonverbal Tests of Intelligence Considerations
Both verbal and nonverbal tests of intelligence play crucial roles in assessing cognitive abilities. Verbal choices focus on language-related skills, while nonverbal ones emphasize pattern recognition and problem-solving without relying on language. The choice between verbal and nonverbal tests of intelligence depends on the individual’s background, language proficiency, and assessment of specific cognitive skills. Nonverbal assessments are often preferred in multicultural settings as they reduce language bias. They are also valuable for individuals with speech or language disorders, hearing impairments, and limited proficiency in that language. A combination of verbal and nonverbal intelligence tests is often used to thoroughly understand an individual’s cognitive abilities. This provides a more holistic view of their strengths and weaknesses.
Summary and Our Work
In all cases, we choose among the most widely used intelligence tests to align with our client’s specific goals and characteristics.IQ assessments are a huge part of our practice, and we make sure to be versatile and integrative with our approach. It all starts with you and what you are looking for, and this section provides a basis for that exploration.
Different Types of IQ Tests for You
So, what will we need to explore with you to pick among the most widely used intelligence tests? Here are some things we’ll consider together:
Different Types of Intelligence Tests for Different Purposes
We’ll work to understand fully why you want or need an IQ assessment. Are you looking for educational placement, clinical diagnosis, or personal interest? The purpose you are coming in with and the questions you hope to answer will guide our choices. The most common types of intelligence tests may not be the ones that fit you. Or we may want to pull together a battery that borrows from several of the most widely used intelligence tests.
What Cognitive Abilities Are You Looking to Assess
Different types of IQ tests may emphasize different cognitive abilities, such as verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed. Some look at less commonly mentioned aspects of intelligence, including emotional IQ and social IQ. We will work with you to consider the strengths and weaknesses of each measure in assessing relevant abilities.
Different Types of IQ Tests Reliability and Validity
We will review the reliability and validity of the verbal and nonverbal tests of intelligence we’re considering. Reliability refers to the consistency of scores over time and across different items, while validity refers to the extent to which the assessment measures what it claims to measure. We’ll want to choose those with high reliability and validity.
Considering Cultural and Linguistic Factors
Cultural and linguistic factors may influence performance on IQ evaluations. We will choose those that are culturally fair and appropriate for you. Some of the most widely used IQ tests are inappropriate for every population.
By carefully considering these factors, we can work together to make an informed decision among verbal and nonverbal tests of intelligence to best meet your needs. We may even be able to do your IQ assessment online.
Contact Us Regarding the Different Types of IQ Tests
If you have questions about the different types of intelligence tests available and which may be best for you or your child, please schedule a consultation or contact us anytime. We serve most states, and many of the evaluations we do can be given virtually. We can help you get certain accommodations at work or school or generally help you better understand your or your child’s strengths and weaknesses. Our goal is to look for opportunities for growth and ways to challenge barriers.
