About CogniveraIQ.
An independent editorial project popularizing psychometrics and the science of human intelligence. IQ test, articles, and educational tools available free of charge in 25 languages.
Why we built this
More myths have grown around the intelligence quotient than around any other psychological measure. Repeated claims about famous people IQ scores, about training the brain like a muscle, or about IQ tests being meaningless — most of these are false or oversimplify reality. CogniveraIQ exists to provide a credible testing tool and scientific context without charging hundreds of dollars for a session with a psychologist.
Methodology
Our test is inspired by classic psychometric instruments: Raven Progressive Matrices, Wechsler scales (WAIS, WISC), and the Cattell Culture Fair Test. We measure four independent areas:
Abstract reasoning
Pattern matrices requiring you to identify a rule and apply it to complete the missing element. Classical measurement of fluid intelligence (fluid g).
Number sequences
Arithmetic and geometric sequences where you need to identify the rule. Tests the ability to operate on abstract numerical rules.
Spatial imagination
3D mental rotation and figure-folding tasks. Measures visual thinking and manipulation of spatial representations.
Verbal analogies
Conceptual relations and word classification. The crystallized component of intelligence — built from acquired knowledge.
How we write
Every article is based on peer-reviewed sources — most often papers from journals such as Intelligence, Psychological Science, NEJM, or Frontiers in Psychology. We follow a few rules:
We cite sources
Every strong claim has a reference to a scientific publication (author, year, journal). No vague appeals to anonymous research.
Numbers with context
When we report a correlation coefficient or a difference in IQ points, we report the sample size, methodology, and limitations. A 0.30 correlation is not the same as causation.
We distinguish studies
A single study on 50 people is not the same as a meta-analysis of 30 studies on 50 000 people. We say plainly which evidence we rely on.
We update content
Science moves forward. When a newer meta-analysis appears, we update the older article instead of leaving outdated information.
What we are not
Honesty requires writing also about what this project does not replace:
- We are not a psychology practice. Our test is not an official psychometric instrument and does not replace a clinical assessment.
- We do not diagnose ADHD, dyslexia, or other neurodevelopmental conditions. If you suspect any, contact a clinical psychologist.
- Our IQ score is approximate — full diagnostics require a session with a psychologist (Wechsler WAIS-IV takes about 90 minutes and costs $100-300).
- We do not provide career or educational advice based on the test result.
Sources and inspirations
Our articles and test methodology draw on the following classic works:
- Raven, J. C. (1936). Mental tests used in genetic studies — original paper on Raven matrices.
- Wechsler, D. (2008). WAIS-IV: Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale.
- Cattell, R. B. (1963). Theory of fluid and crystallized intelligence.
- Flynn, J. R. (1987). Massive IQ gains in 14 nations — the Flynn effect.
- Hampshire, A. et al. (2024, NEJM). Cognition and memory after Covid-19.
- Frontiers in Psychology (2024). Brain fog characterization study, n = 25,796.
Contact
Have a substantive question, a suggestion for improvement, or found an error in the test? Write to us through the contact form. We respond within a few days. /uk/kontakt.