Third Grade IQ Test Information

IQ Tests for Third Graders

What's an IQ Test?

An IQ (Intelligence Quotient) test is an exam administered with the purpose of determining intelligence. These exams use memory, reasoning and problem solving to assess a person's mental capacity. Alfred Binet first developed the IQ test. As a result, one major version of the test is called a Stanford-Binet test. The other main version of the exam that your child may take is the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children.

IQ tests are scored by comparing an individual's results with the scores of other people who are of the same age, which means that a third grader who gets the same number of questions right as a fifth grader would have a higher IQ. The average score on an IQ test is 100. Whether high or low, the further from the number 100 your child's score is, the lower the percentile he or she will be in.

How Can My Child Take a Third Grade IQ Test?

Licensed psychologists usually administer official IQ tests to children. If you want your child to take an official IQ test, his or her teacher may be able to tell you if the school offers IQ tests.

There are two different kinds of IQ tests that your third grader might end up taking. One is an IQ test designed to be taken by many individuals that are your child's age. The other type will be specifically designed for your child and no one else.

Why Is IQ Testing Limited in Its Scope?

IQ tests are only useful when it comes to measuring verbal skills and logic. All other forms of intelligence are not addressed. Many critics also have suggested that IQ tests are economically and culturally biased.

Since IQ tests are only one measure of a person's intelligence, they should be used together with other materials when making decisions about your third grader's education. You should consider grades, teacher observations and standardized test scores in addition to IQ before deciding whether or not your child would benefit from special services.

What Can My Third Grader Do at Home?

If you would like your child to practice with an Internet IQ test, you can find a free IQ test from sites like the High IQ Society. Although Internet IQ tests may be fun and interesting for your child to take, you shouldn't consider the scores from these to be official in any way.