The Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales, one of the oldest and most respected IQ tests, originated from the work of Alfred Binet in the early 20th century. This test has undergone multiple revisions, with the latest version being the fifth edition (SB5). The Stanford-Binet test is designed to assess five key areas of cognitive ability: fluid reasoning, knowledge, quantitative reasoning, visual-spatial processing, and working memory.

The test is suitable for individuals aged 2 to 85+ years, making it highly versatile. The results provide a Full-Scale IQ score, along with scores in the five individual areas, offering a comprehensive profile of a person’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses. The Stanford-Binet is particularly useful in educational settings for identifying giftedness or learning disabilities.

The Wechsler Intelligence Scales, developed by David Wechsler, are among the most widely used IQ tests today. There are three primary versions:

• Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS): This version is designed for individuals aged 16 and above. The current edition, WAIS-IV, measures four cognitive domains: verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed. The WAIS is commonly used in clinical settings to assess cognitive function in adults.
• Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC): Tailored for children aged 6 to 16, the WISC-IV assesses the same four domains as the WAIS, but with age-appropriate tasks. This test is frequently used in schools to identify children who may need special education services or to evaluate cognitive development.
• Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI): This version is designed for children aged 2.5 to 7 years. The WPPSI-IV includes subtests that measure verbal and non-verbal abilities, providing a reliable assessment of cognitive abilities in young children.

The Cattell Culture Fair Intelligence Test, developed by Raymond Cattell, is designed to minimize the influence of cultural and language biases that can affect traditional IQ tests. This test focuses on non-verbal reasoning skills, making it particularly useful in diverse and multicultural settings. The Cattell test consists of tasks like pattern recognition, sequence solving, and classification, which are less dependent on language and educational background.

There are three forms of the Cattell test, each aimed at different age groups and levels of cognitive development. This test is often used in research settings or in situations where an unbiased assessment of intelligence is needed, such as in cross-cultural studies.

The Raven's Progressive Matrices is another non-verbal test designed to assess abstract reasoning and is often considered a measure of general intelligence, or "g." The tests were originally developed by John C. Raven in 1936 and are currently licensed by Pearson PLC. The test consists of visual patterns with a missing piece, and the examinee is required to select the correct piece that completes the pattern from a set of options.

There are several versions of the Raven's test, including the Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM) for general use, the Colored Progressive Matrices (CPM) for younger children or individuals with cognitive impairments, and the Advanced Progressive Matrices (APM) for those with above-average intelligence. The Raven’s test is widely used in educational and clinical settings, as well as in military and organizational assessments.

Alan S. Kaufman, PhD

The Kaufman Assessment Battery for Children is designed to assess cognitive development in children aged 3 to 18. The test is a clinical instrument (psychological diagnostic test) for assessing cognitive development. Its construction incorporates several recent developments in both psychological theory and statistical methodology. The test was developed by Alan S. Kaufman and Nadeen L. Kaufman in 1983 and revised in 2004. The KABC focuses on measuring cognitive processing and problem-solving abilities rather than rote knowledge. It is unique in its use of both a global IQ score and process-based scores that can help identify specific learning disabilities or strengths.

The KABC is often used in schools to create educational plans for students with special needs, as it provides insights into how a child processes information rather than just what they know.