Are IQ tests valid?

I see lots of IQ threads here, so thought I would add some of my perspective and experience on this subject.

I say IQ tests have some merit, but aren’t really accurate indicators of an individual’s inherent ability.

IQ tests can, in fact, be used to determine whether an individual has certain gifts and a propensity for learning in an accelerated manner - make no mistake. But, they can also be used to make certain folks’ lives miserable. Those who are different or fall into an independent category, for instance. I was one of those latter individuals.

I will add this fact: if you have a high IQ, that is great. Happy for you, I am and do not begrudge you one bit for being better at scientific, mathematical calculations than me. The world indeed need’s intelligent doctors, scientists, engineers and more.

But, don’t ever think for one minute that you are a better musician than me - I can promise you that I will crush you there.

(I only added that last statement, because “the experts” told me that I was stupid when I was a kid - I worked hard at jazz saxophone and eventually proved them wrong)

To sum it up, I believe you can do anything you want in life, despite what “they” tell you. Hard work, tenacious persistence towards achieving one’s goals and never giving up will always trump what your IQ results show.

Hope this motivates someone out there (If I can do it, so can you).

Off me soapbox now.

I agree somewhat. Not going to go in deep, but I didn’t appreciate your comment about the Nazis. I feel that it is unnecessary to fund your point. No more comment on the subject.

Thanks for responding.

(Sigh) In hindsight, you are correct. Perhaps I was blinded by my own personal experiences - arrogance even. In other words, it wasn’t too smart to bring up the Nazis.

Apologies if I offended anyone there.

I appreciate your comment - no further comment here about that.

What was the point of bringing the Nazis into this? 

@Wolfbird

Thanks for responding.

In hindsight, you are correct. Perhaps I was blinded by my own personal experiences - arrogance even. In other words, it wasn’t too smart to bring up the Nazis.

Apologies if I offended anyone there.

I appreciate your comment - no further comment here about that.

Ok. I'm just curious about your thinking. Why mention them to begin with? What was your intent when you wrote that sentence?

Joe, it seems to me you tried to make a point about IQ tests and there has been some miscommunication on what you meant. I understand you aren’t getting the response you want- responses in the IQ topic. You tried to bring up an argument but it didn’t work out as planned. If I were you, I’d just keep anything involving the Nazis off any future posts as it can be taken the wrong way. Of course, your intent was not to hurt anyone or exploit anyone in any way. But, sentences or remarks on that singular matter can and could offend people even if they aren’t directly affected by it. Any understanding person knows that you were trying to make a point about the IQ test subject. To make your point, you brought off historical relevance and facts. At the time, you couldn’t see how this could offend someone. Now, looking at the user feedback, you have( I hope) learned your mistake. To all other chess.com users, let’s move away from a singular sentence and more to the topic- Are IQ tests valid? I would believe so. I took an In test a few years ago and scored very well. What has the score done to help me? Not much. IQ tests are useful in many ways but can sometimes be taken advantage of or used in bullying or other forms of harassment. One thing that IQ tests solidly do to help the world is that it can find things that the taker needs to work on. For example, if a child is taking an IQ test and cannot sit still the whole time, the administer of the test could possibly have the child checked out for ADD. Not saying that’s always the case- it’s not, but just a few reasons how IQ teats can help the world in positive manners. In negative ways, the test could, though very very rarely be wrong about someone. The score could say that the taker has a cognitive disability but really the child is so intelligent that they purposely failed the test to see what would come of it.

 

Well, that’s the end of my response. Hope that helps everyone.

132J, now I'm wondering why you felt a need to answer for JoeBauers. 

     IQ tests are perfectly valid for what they are intended to do. The general misconception concerning IQ tests is that they measure a subject's overall intelligence. They are designed to give an approximate idea of a person's capability to quickly grasp certain varieties of reasoning. No cognitive researcher would claim IQ tests measure all aspects of human intelligence. They do not attempt to quantify acquired knowledge.

Because he hasn’t responded and it was a sensitive topic

And needed answering

Well, reading people's minds is a rare talent, but I think I can wait for him to answer for himself. 

Also it was informing him too

@132J

Thanks and you’re correct on all points.

@Wolfbird

It was my understanding that the Nazis used IQ tests as part of their eugenics program. Those found stupid were classified as unfit to produce and were surgically sterilized. In fairness, it is also my understanding that the US once had a similar program, although I could be wrong about that.

In any event, I didn’t mean to start WWIII here.

(Here begins my retreat from these forums)

I don’t like what I become when I post, so I’m leaving, since I tend to offend others. I’m really a nice guy in person - I just don’t blend with the internet well - some people do, some don’t. I’m one of the former.

Happy New Year all - especially to those seasoned debate pros, online tech enthusiasts and news junkies here. I’m not one of you guys and frankly have held the likes of you in contempt for years. That was a big mistake - none of us are any better or worse than anyone else (we just have different hobbies and interests - that is OK).

I have learned something - a huge lesson that you guys have taught me - and I will take that with me.

Thank you.

Joe

I meant latter - see what I mean?

Been reading about the History of Eugenics - seems like the US indeed used it before the Nazis. Bigger mistake than i originally thought.

Stupid thing to say - should have done more research earlier.

Don’t leave cc

Are you leaving the forums or chess . Com all together? If the latter, don’t. Every one makes mistakes and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. It’s called being human.

Just the forums - tell you what; will send you a friend request.

Am looking for friends who enjoy chess and love the game.

Okay