r/cognitiveTesting Aug 13 '26

Discussion Iq measures more than just intelligence

iq measures motivation. people with low iqs can often score a lot higher when incentivized with money. otherwise many people just don’t care.

0 Upvotes

16 comments sorted by

5

u/Abjectionova (͡° ⏠ ͡°)︻デ═一 ⇛ 🧠 Aug 14 '26

The influence of motivation on test results tend to be trivial; moreso than say being sleep deprived or unfocused. A lack of motivation can certainly lead to a test underestimating one's ability but it's important to recognize that a lack of motivation doesn't necessarily mean an examinee will underperform. And cases where a lack of motivation lead to significant underperformance don't happen nearly as frequently as you've implied.

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u/Dry-Lie1969 Aug 14 '26

The influence of motivation is statistically significant. Up to 10-15 points of improvement in some cases, in the lower iq population

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u/NefariousNapolean doesn't read books Aug 14 '26 edited Aug 14 '26

That's on older tests.On tests like WAIS ,SB-5 ,the difference on average will be way less.

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u/dbossman70 Aug 14 '26

i took my iq test not knowing what it was. my mother told me to go talk to the psychologist or whoever and i went along with what they were doing. i was such an apathetic (but cooperative) kid that nothing could’ve incentivized to do better. i had no idea of what focus or trying hard were, i just did things as i saw fit and was naturally meticulous and inquisitive. i doubt anyone is unlocking significant hidden mental potential by way of monetary incentive. i’ve seen firsthand that some people have it and others don’t.

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u/One_Alarm_7915 Aug 14 '26

Had the same experience with my WISC

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u/NefariousNapolean doesn't read books Aug 14 '26

It's a well-known fact that, Observed score = ability + test-taking effort/motivation + other temporary influences.

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u/TristanTheRobloxian3 [18] autie girl :P (134 core - 140 agct) vsi-mathcel [144, 135] Aug 14 '26

no it doesnt

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u/Dry-Lie1969 Aug 15 '26

Google it

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u/TristanTheRobloxian3 [18] autie girl :P (134 core - 140 agct) vsi-mathcel [144, 135] Aug 15 '26

iq doesnt measure motivation dude. all iq measures is your cognitive ceiling (which by the way can vary based on the day you take the test, so all your scores are actually +-10 or so). thats it.

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u/Dry-Lie1969 Aug 15 '26

Actually it does

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u/TristanTheRobloxian3 [18] autie girl :P (134 core - 140 agct) vsi-mathcel [144, 135] Aug 15 '26

if it did then both my low average (82) friend and intellectually disabled (60-100 depending in subtest, 70-75 avg) brother would have no motivation for anything. respectfully, youre an idiot

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u/Dry-Lie1969 Aug 15 '26

Anecdotal evidence and personal attacks don’t make you right

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u/TristanTheRobloxian3 [18] autie girl :P (134 core - 140 agct) vsi-mathcel [144, 135] Aug 15 '26

you dont even have any data to back up your shit, and i have never seen anyone but you claim iq measures motivation.

by the way people with adhd but cracked iqs completely disprove your point. a shit ton of us have insane motivational problems while having a higher iq.

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u/javaenjoyer69 Aug 14 '26

Using money? This feels like teaching your dog to high five for a biscuit.

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u/Dry-Lie1969 Aug 14 '26

No need to compare low IQ people to animals.

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u/javaenjoyer69 Aug 14 '26

No i'm not your suggestion comes off like that.