intelligence quotient
noun Psychology.
an intelligence test score that is obtained by dividing mental age, which reflects the age-graded level of performance as derived from population norms, by chronological age and multiplying by 100: a score of 100 thus indicates a performance at exactly the normal level for that age group. Abbreviation: IQ
Compare
achievement quotient.
Origin of intelligence quotient
First recorded in 1920–25
Words nearby intelligence quotient
British Dictionary definitions for intelligence quotient
intelligence quotient
noun
a measure of the intelligence of an individual derived from results obtained from specially designed tests. The quotient is traditionally derived by dividing an individual's mental age by his chronological age and multiplying the result by 100
Abbreviation: IQ
Medical definitions for intelligence quotient
intelligence quotient
n.
An index of measured intelligence expressed as the ratio of tested mental age to chronological age, multiplied by 100.
Cultural definitions for intelligence quotient
intelligence quotient
A number meant to measure intelligence. Once the standard measure of human mental capacity; now widely considered to be neither accurate nor fair. Controversy exists today over the effect of race and class on scores and whether IQ tests really measure intelligence. Tests of special aptitudes and personality factors are now favored over the pure intelligence test.
notes for intelligence quotient
The IQ was originally calculated using the
ratio of a person's “mental age” (as measured by a standardized test) and chronological age. An IQ between 90 and 110 is considered average; over 120, superior. (
See
Stanford-Binet scale.) Few tests still include the controversial notion of mental age.