Who uses IQ scores?
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2014 11:06 AM

Both you and your child can take IQ tests, but what happens after you've received your scores? You can take the knowledge home with you and leave it at that, or use the scores. Of course, your test outcome can be applied in many ways, and it's used by a variety of people. Here's a look at who values your IQ scores and what they do with the information:

Schools
Educators have many students with whom to work, all of whom are diverse in their abilities. Furthermore, schools want to provide the best possible education for each of those unique individuals. Sometimes that means placing students in classes based on their intelligence. Gifted courses challenge very intelligent students, and special education programs help those with learning disabilities excel. However, schools can't assign students the right course without knowing their IQ scores in some cases. 

If a student is performing high above or below teacher expectations, the school may ask that child to take an IQ test. The outcome can help shed light on what the student needs to succeed. Of course, some students don't always show their abilities at school - kids who are intelligent may be bored in class and earn low grades by slacking off. By having your child take an IQ test without prompting from the school, you can help administrators see where your child needs to be placed.

The military
The military has a long history with IQ, and it's because of it that certain scales were revised. Although the U.S. military no longer uses common IQ tests, it does have recruits take its own aptitude assessment: the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). This exam not only assesses intelligence, but also how well a recruit is suited to various jobs in the military. For instance, the score may indicate that one person is more suited for infantry while another will excel by working in artillery, which requires heavy use of math as soldiers have to calculate angles and degrees when aiming a large firearm. Recruits who have a difficult time with math would not be suited to those kinds of calculations.

The ASVAB tests the following subject areas: general science, coding speed, arithmetic reasoning, numerical operations, mathematics knowledge, word knowledge, paragraph comprehension, auto and shop information, mechanical comprehension and electronics information.

Researchers
Many scientists study IQ and the forces that affect it. For instance, there's research on how chemical exposure can impact IQ or how diseases like Alzheimer's impact the brain. The more scientists research the topic of intelligence, the more they'll know how the mind can develop and what influences intelligence. Do genes or upbringing affect IQ to greater degrees? Can we improve our intelligence? Is society getting smarter? Studies have found answers to these and many more questions about the human mind. 

Individuals
You and your children can use your IQ scores in numerous ways. You don't have to be in the military to apply your IQ to job searching. Perhaps your scores show you're great with words - you may want to seek a job related to writing or reading. People who are critical thinkers and have great memory can go into a number of fields, from math to forensics. IQ scores can help individuals map out a career path for themselves. 

Mensa
Mensa is a social institution or club that's made up of the world's most intelligent people. To join, your IQ score must be in the top 2 percent of the population. People in Mensa attend events, chat online and engage with others from around the world. Members can be any age or gender and live anywhere. The only prerequisite for joining is having an amazingly high IQ.