I would like to inform parents and others about professional issues concerning the use of IQ tests, should they seek guidance from psychologists. As a professional body which aims to advance the science and practice of psychology, we are concerned about the ethics and appropriateness of using IQ tests. We also have some grave concerns about parents using IQ tests to get their kids into Primary 1 in choice schools. IQ tests were not designed for this purpose.
Psychological testing is a procedure with limited aims.
When parents or teachers are concerned about the learning abilities and potential of a child or student, psychological assessment is the proper procedure to adopt. In assessing a child' or adult's intellectual functioning, a battery of psychological tools are used, including an IQ test. Specific psychological tests or tools are carefully chosen to assist in determining a person's current level of intellectual functioning and needs. IQ tests are not useful by themselves, as factors such as test anxiety and the psychologist's ability to conduct a reliable assessment may interfere with the test results. Administering an IQ test is about more than a score.