Intelligence quotient (IQ) tests are a series of tests used to determine the general intelligence of an individual in relation to the general population and the result is called an IQ score. Test results are normalised to give people an average intelligence a score of 100, with numbers above and below this following a Gaussian or Bell curve. It has been argued that IQ tests are only one imperfect method of measuring certain aspects of intellectual ability.

Some argue that IQ tests are powerful predictors only in the fields in which literacy and numeracy are of central importance. Testing does give you some indication of your ability to think, reason and solve problems. It is also argued that there is no more important single characteristic for predicting a person's behaviour accurately than their Intelligence Quotient, or IQ score. The The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale consists of six verbal subtests and five performance subtests. The IQ test is scored so that the mean score is 100 and the distribution has the shape of a Gaussian function, with a standard deviation of 15.

Intelligence Quotient IQ is calculated as IQ = (mental age/chronological age) x 100. IQ tests are intended to measure people against each other, so scores are expected to fit a Gaussian Curve and should be interpreted according to the mean, deviation, and the scores that result. They are therefore calibrated in such a way as to yield a normal distribution , or "bell curve". The average score on an IQ test is 100, with scores of 85-115 being seen as the average range.

Intelligence testing is used by Clinical Psychologists to measure a child's intellectual capabilities in several specific domains. Children ages 3 years through to 16 years 11 months are appropriate for IQ testing. These tests can help determine a child's educational path. The results of an IQ test rank a child against a very large sample of children the same age.

There is a lot of debate about the ability of the IQ score to predict a person’s prospects of succeeding in life. Why is it true that a large number of very intelligent people (as measured by IQ) do not make a success of life whilst school dropouts sometimes achieve very high levels of achievement in business and life generally? This has led to the emergence in emotional quotient (EQ) testing. A method of intelligence testing that focusses on interpersonal aspects of a person’s abilities rather than academic.

The emotional quotient (EQ) was first used as a measure of emotional intelligence by Dr Reuven Bar-On. It has the ability to sense, understand and effectively apply the power and acumen of emotions to facilitate high levels of collaboration and productivity. Emotional quotient is the counterpart to intelligence quotient, and is the ability to sense, understand and effectively apply the power and acumen of emotions to facilitate high levels of collaboration and productivity. EQ tests are not absolute and are therefore just as controversial as IQ tests.

Testing for "competence" rather than "intelligence" may eliminate many of the abuses connected with IQ tests. IQ tests are only a "refined" form of the relative estimate of intelligence made by the common sense judgment of teachers and psychologists. IQ tests are limited in their scope and usefulness in that they can measure only the academic aspect of intelligence. Some argue that because we often measure intelligence by literacy, vocabulary, comprehension, and general command of language people assume you are unintelligent if you can't seamlessly communicate with them. Others argue that some measures of intelligence can easily be topped by computational power. For example, if you measure intelligence by operations per second, then it can, but I think it's a very tricky area because if you're talking about intelligence as that thing which is uniquely human, which includes the ability to think outside of the box and for creative solution-making, it's a very subtle question whether a computer can be intelligent.

If you are interested in testing your IQ, there are many internet based tests you can take. So why not have a go. See if you think it is accurate. Get your friends to do the same and compare results. It can be fun. A test takes about 20 mins. At the end of the test, you will receive your result. if you want to find out how logical your thinking is and how smart you are, you can try out the IQ Test.