Free Aptitude (IQ) Test(s)

Session number: 118

Average n-back: 5.4

Ive taken pretty much all of the online IQ tests out there worth taking, but have wanted to take a wide battery of tests without paying money; today, I stumbled on a Career, Aptitude and Selection Tests by Jim Barrett which I checked out of the library for free. I think these tests provided a thorough assessment that would ordinarily cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars.

Included in the book are 7 full length tests which measure different parts of IQ or aptitude. My guess is these tests taken as a whole would correlate very well with the WAIS. Some of the tests do not have a sub-test counterpart, but nevertheless are measuring a part of IQ making up an omnibus assessment ala the WAIS. This test is better than the GIQtest and probably less perfect than the gold standards. That said, if all of these tests were weighed as subtests Id probably score in the same range GIQtest had me at (IQ 139), though perhaps a bit lower.

In addition to IQ, one is given a score that ranges from no evidence to some evidence to good evidence to excellent evidence. I scored 1 some, 1 good, and 5 excellent. Below are my results.

1)Acuteness — basically a visual processing task, attention to detail, clerical speed, etc. My IQ on this test was in the 110-115 range with correct to incorrect 12/36; showing some evidence of ability in this.

2) Spatial recognition — rotating objects in space. My IQ on this test 125-130 showing excellent evidence with a raw score of 49/70

3) Physical Analysis. Tests ones understanding of forces and dynamics or knowing what works in the real world.
My IQ 115, showing good evidence. Raw score of 11/28

4) Verbal Penetration. To see how one reasons with words. My IQ 135-140, raw 37/42 showing excellent evidence.

5) Numerical deduction. To test how one reasons with numbers (a number series test). My IQ 135-140. Raw 17/23 showing excellent evidence.

6)Observation — reason with signs and shapes ala Raven matrices. IQ of 125-130 with a raw of 24/35, showing excellent evidence.

7) Critical dissection – Logic puzzles of long winded variety ala LSAT. IQ of 130-135. Raw score of 22/33, showing excellent evidence.

Of the profiles given mine is closest to the Academic with lower scores typical on acuteness and physical analysis and spatial recognition (although I did get a high score on spatial recognition).

Second to the academic profile, Im close also to the communications profile but with I have some strengths that are not given in that profile; though relative weaknesses align well with what is given (acuteness and physical analysis).

Final thoughts: Unlike a lot of what is online, these tests are well constructed and provide a good estimate – so I would highly recommend them for those who do not have the money to pay for the WAIS or inclination to sit through it — to check this book out of the library, or even buy if you have to.

The dual n back training did help me a lot on some of the tests particularly in critical dissection and spatial recognition — tests which required a strong working memory to hold info in ones mind. Also, i timed taking the test (with a stopwatch) so that is part of what made them – especially the acuteness test – so challenging. I am terrible across the board at mechanical things and am clue-free on how practical stuff works, so that I scored above average on physical analysis test is a miracle of sorts — maybe the training had helped with these problems as well.

Anyway, this provided the assessment I was looking for and I feel confident the test gave a good snapshot of cognitive abilities.

This post was submitted by Will.

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3 Responses to “Free Aptitude (IQ) Test(s)”

  1. martin says:

    Hello Will.

    This sounds like a great find. Thank you. I will check it out. (I’m in search of a good product to license for inclusion with the program.)

    You don’t mention whether there is an indication of percentile scores. Is that part of the results analysis, too?

    Martin

  2. Will says:

    The author mentions the top 5% percent at IQ 125 which translates to a standard deviation of 15. Presumably these tests are out to measure above average IQ as scores begin at 100 IQ. However, there is no breakdown of percentile, per se, since Barrett cautions against taking the scores as set in stone and is clear on the fact that the tests “do not measure IQ with great accuracy”:

    “Remember to interpret your own score only a general guide. If we assume that you might have a ‘true’ score this will not be revealed unless you are compared with people of the same age, sex and relevant background. It is best to assume that your IQ from the table provided here is likely to be only a baseline estimate.”

    There’s also no remarks on where the tests come from, except that they are not professional tests — although Barrett, a psychologist, asserts they would qualify as such. As the author makes clear, these tests are not a substitute for the real thing, but out to provide a rough estimate. So I would say, just remember this is not as accurate as professional tests, but for what it’s worth, imo they stack up well with the best of the internet tests. That said, no ‘true’ IQ can be derived.

  3. Shaun says:

    Hi there Will:

    Thanks for mentioning the book. I have requested the 2006 edition from my local library.

    Warm regards,
    Shaun

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