A review of the best IQ Tests.

In case you weren't aware, Intelligence Tests have now been around for over 119 years. The first test, which set the standard moving forward, was designed by Alfred Binet in 1904. This original IQ Test was not designed to evaluate academic prowess, rather it was developed to identify which children were potentially affected by lead-related health issues leading to serious cognitive decline along with other possible issues related to cognition.

It didn't take long though IQ Testing soon gained massive popularity amongst the general population. Many people saw scoring well on an IQ test as a way to lock in higher social status as IQ was perhaps seen in the same way as an immutable Zahavian signal.

Understanding Zahavian Signals

In short, a Zahavian signal, named after biologist Amotz Zahavi, is a concept in evolutionary biology that refers to a form of communication between animals that is costly and therefore reliable. So the idea is that having a very high IQ could mean you possess a very valuable evolutionary and perhaps socio-economic advantage.

Challenges with IQ Testing

There were, of course, like any other thing that potentially brings people status without hard work, problems with IQ Tests. Because of the IQ Tests' rapid adoption among the populace, various companies, academics, and aligned individuals saw the financial potential in making their versions of these tests. Never mind actual science, measurement, or analysis, there was money to be made.

The Modern State of IQ Tests

Today the problem persists as the internet is filled with tens of thousands of IQ tests all claiming to be the very best. So in response, this list aims to focus on which IQ tests are considered accurate. I believe the vast majority of in-person, proctored IQ tests are valid so long as you choose a relatively reputable organization to take them from. We are instead focusing solely on online IQ tests to talk about their validity.

List of Top Online IQ Tests

Here is the list from top to bottom. We are going to briefly explain why these tests are likely the most valid.

1. Real IQ - Grade (A+)

The development of Real IQ might be perceived as influenced by right-leaning political ideologies, given that its testing methodology is inspired by the public figure Jordan Peterson. In a televised event, Peterson detailed the process used by psychometric testing experts to devise a scientifically precise test. Summarizing the formation of Real IQ, as paraphrased from Dr. Peterson's explanation in a video featured on Real IQ's homepage, the essence of an IQ test is a set of 100 random, abstract questions. The nature of these questions, whether they are verbal, reasoning, or spatial, is secondary.?

The core principle lies in how the test scores, based on correct answers out of 100, are ranked against other individuals' results. This method consistently yields a remarkably high correlation factor of .9, evidencing its accuracy. Real IQ excels in applying this approach. The margin of error in their test, across different question sets and in comparison to proctored exams, is impressively low, with a variation of only 1.8%. This precision is outstanding for an IQ test. Real IQ established a proctored baseline test over several months, distinguishing itself from many other online IQ assessments. We put it first because it is a full-featured test, and it's said that for the most accurate results, a test really should have a full 100-questions.

2. Mensa Quick-test - Grade (B+)

The Mensa Quick Test is a shortened version of the standard Mensa admission test, designed to give an initial indication of whether you might be accepted into Mensa. Here's a summary of its key aspects. The baseline for the Mensa Quick Test was established through a comprehensive standardization process. This involved administering the test to a large, diverse sample representative of the general population. The results from this sample were used to set norms and benchmarks, ensuring the test's accuracy in measuring cognitive abilities relative to the general population. The Mensa Quick Test is reputable due to its association with Mensa, a well-known high-IQ society. Mensa's tests are generally recognized for their rigor and accuracy in assessing intelligence.?

The Quick Test, while not a full IQ test, is based on the same principles and standards as the official Mensa admission test. It serves as a reliable preliminary assessment for individuals considering applying for Mensa membership. There are, however, alleged problems with the Mensa tests. Many say that Mensa keeps their questions very similar between the quick test, the pre-entry test, and the official test so that people can score much higher on subsequent attempts, thus allowing Mensa to profit from their memberships. Additionally, Mensa's tests are not ideal in length, casting doubt on their validity compared with more standard CHC theory-based tests.

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