intelligence quotient

noun, Psychology
1.
an intelligence test score that is obtained by dividing mental age, which reflects the age-graded level of performance as derived from population norms, by chronological age and multiplying by 100: a score of 100 thus indicates a performance at exactly the normal level for that age group.
Abbreviation: IQ.
Compare achievement quotient.
Origin
1920-25
Examples from the web for intelligence quotient
  • intelligence quotient measurement is a proved system.
  • Endowed with a more adult intelligence quotient, it would emerge as a distasteful mixture of high school frustrations, indeed.
  • intelligence quotient and economic status have nothing to do with anything.
  • The successful advertising equation now is intelligence quotient plus emotional quotient.
British Dictionary definitions for intelligence quotient

intelligence quotient

noun
1.
a measure of the intelligence of an individual derived from results obtained from specially designed tests. The quotient is traditionally derived by dividing an individual's mental age by his chronological age and multiplying the result by 100 IQ
intelligence quotient in Medicine

intelligence quotient n.
Abbr. IQ, I.Q.
An index of measured intelligence expressed as the ratio of tested mental age to chronological age, multiplied by 100.

intelligence quotient in Culture
intelligence quotient (IQ)

A number meant to measure intelligence. Once the standard measure of human mental capacity; now widely considered to be neither accurate nor fair. Controversy exists today over the effect of race and class on scores and whether IQ tests really measure intelligence. Tests of special aptitudes and personality factors are now favored over the pure intelligence test.

Note: The IQ was originally calculated using the ratio of a person's “mental age” (as measured by a standardized test) and chronological age. An IQ between 90 and 110 is considered average; over 120, superior. (See Stanford-Binet scale.) Few tests still include the controversial notion of mental age.