Question

Explain with suitable examples the applications of intelligence testing in various areas.

Answer 1

Measurement of intelligence began with the need of knowing individual differences. Today, intelligence testing has its applications in diverse fields such as educational institutes, child guidance centers, industries, recruitment centers, diagnostic clinics, etc. Following are some of the areas, where intelligence testing proves helpful.

1. Effective schooling: The intelligence tests enable teachers and other authorities to identify the educationally backward students and solve their problems. On the basis of periodic test scores, teachers are able to classify pupils into different intellectual categories, to help them by devising special instructional programs suited to their mental development and thereby enhancing the process of their development to the adequate normal level.
2. Mental health aiding: Intelligence tests enables clinicians to measure the intellectual levels of their clients. Intelligence tests are helpful to clinicians for diagnostic purposes, prognosis and deciding the therapeutic or rehabilitative programs.
3. Effective parenting: Intelligence tests help parents to know the intellectual capacities of their children. IQ scores help parents in providing relevant educational facilities to their children and to have realistic expectations from their children.
4. Career counseling: Intelligence tests help students to select the right educational course which is suitable to their intellectual capacities. This helps in reducing the problems of failure, waste of time and money, etc. and increase the possibilities of being successful.
5. Vocational counseling: Intelligence tests help people to choose a suitable vocation for themselves. This helps in reducing the problems of absenteeism, job dissatisfaction, etc., and increases the possibilities of living a satisfied and happy life.