IQ tests are tools used to measure a person’s intelligence through a series of standardized cognitive tasks. These tests mainly focus on three key areas: logical reasoning, short-term memory, and verbal ability. For more than a century, IQ tests have been used in educational and professional contexts to assess individuals’ cognitive abilities.
However, there is growing debate today about the effectiveness of these tests. While IQ results can provide useful information in some cases, many experts question whether they truly represent intelligence in its entirety, as intelligence is a multifaceted concept that encompasses much more than just logical reasoning or verbal skills.
The science behind IQ tests
In 2012, a team of researchers from Western University in Canada and the London Science Museum conducted a study to examine the reliability of IQ tests. The study, published in the journal Neuron, included over 100,000 participants from around the world and sought to determine whether intelligence could be measured by a single factor.
Study results
The study’s results challenged the idea that a single IQ test could capture all the differences in people’s cognitive abilities. Researchers found that intelligence cannot be reduced to a single measure, as it involves several factors, including:
- Short-term memory
- Logical reasoning
- Verbal ability
These three factors correspond to distinct patterns of brain activity, suggesting that intelligence is much more complex than what traditional IQ tests can measure.
The failures of IQ tests
According to Dr. Adam Hampshire, one of the authors of the study, IQ tests have “fundamental flaws.” Although these tests can be useful for estimating cognitive abilities in clinical and educational contexts, they do not adequately reflect the complexity of human intellect. Researchers concluded that IQ tests are insufficient for capturing all the differences in individuals’ cognitive abilities, as they focus only on a portion of the intellectual spectrum.
Should IQ tests be discontinued?
Despite their limitations, IQ tests remain one of the most commonly used tools to measure intelligence. However, experts suggest that these tests should be questioned and improved, rather than discarded altogether. Some suggest that it would be more useful to adopt a broader view of intelligence, considering other factors such as creativity, emotional intelligence, and the ability to solve complex problems.

Intelligence and new trends in job interviews
Today, job interviews are evolving to adapt to new technologies and a broader understanding of intelligence. In addition to traditional IQ tests, companies are adopting new trends to evaluate candidates, such as online IQ tests and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to assess cognitive skills.
An emerging trend in job interviews is BYOAI (Bring Your Own AI), which allows candidates to use AI tools during the selection process. This trend reflects a shift in how companies assess cognitive skills, recognizing that intelligence is not only measured through traditional tests but also through the ability to work with advanced technologies like AI.
In this regard, ENEB stays at the forefront of emerging trends in business education, offering programs that prepare students to face the challenges of the digital world, where artificial intelligence and cognitive tests play a fundamental role.
The future of intelligence testing
As science advances, IQ tests are likely to continue being used in some contexts, but they will likely evolve to include a more comprehensive assessment of individuals’ cognitive abilities. Future intelligence tests could incorporate new technologies and approaches to measure broader aspects of cognition, such as creativity, problem-solving skills, and the ability to interact with artificial intelligence.
Moreover, advancements in neuroscience and brain imaging techniques will allow for more accurate measurement of different aspects of human intelligence. It is likely that in the future, much more sophisticated tools will be used to assess cognitive skills, leading to a fuller understanding of what it means to be “intelligent.”
Conclusion
Although IQ tests have been used for over a century as a measure of intelligence, current science suggests that they are insufficient to assess the complexity of human intellect. Intelligence is a multifaceted concept involving various factors, and traditional IQ tests cannot capture its full complexity.
As companies adopt new trends in job interviews, such as AI-based tests and BYOAI, it is clear that the concept of intelligence is evolving. ENEB offers Master programs that prepare students to face these new challenges, ensuring they are ready to seize the opportunities brought by the technological revolution.