What does an IQ score actually tell us about a person and what can it miss? The answer is far more complicated than a single number, especially when we consider strengths, weaknesses, culture, education and real-world ability.
In this episode of Psychology, Actually, Dr Marianne Trent joins Dr Keith Jenkins to explore the history and evolution of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), what IQ scores really measure, and how the WAIS-5 can provide a more detailed picture of cognitive abilities. They discuss cognitive assessment, working memory, processing speed, reasoning, dyslexia, traumatic brain injury, dementia and the impact of factors such as anxiety, fatigue, sleep and language. They also explore why two people can have the same IQ but very different cognitive profiles, and why IQ alone cannot determine how successful someone will be. The conversation looks at WAIS-5 UK, cultural and linguistic considerations, practice effects, and the future of intelligence testing.
Thanks to Pearson for sponsoring this video. To check out the WAIS-V head to: https://www.pearsonclinical.co.uk/featured-topics/from-podcast-insight-to-clinical-practice.html
#IQTest #WAIS5 #psychology
Highlights
- 00:00 Introduction
- 01:31 Quickfire: What is the WAIS?
- 02:16 Who gets referred for WAIS assessment?
- 04:22 Is the WAIS just an IQ test? 05:12 Can results inform care or treatment?
- 08:43 How long will it take to become skilled at administering it?
- 11:16 Clinical oversight and supervision
- 13:24 Strengths, weaknesses and dyslexia
- 16:16 Same IQ, different profiles
- 17:53 How anxiety, fatigue and substances affect scores
- 20:03 Paper testing vs Q-interactive tablets
- 22:53 History of intelligence testing (Galton to Wechsler)
- 27:44 First experiences administering the WAIS
- 32:26 What's new in the WAIS-5 model
- 34:23 Sternberg's Triarchic theory of intelligence
- 38:28 When strengths mask hidden difficulties
- 39:50 Case study: Jazz and traumatic brain injury
- 44:56 Cultural norms and testing across backgrounds
- 47:51 Using interpreters during assessment
- 51:08 New WAIS-5 subtests
- 53:19 The practice effect and preparing for tests
- 56:12 Biggest misconceptions about IQ
- 58:10 Does high IQ mean you'll thrive?
- 59:21 The future of intelligence testing
- 1:00:34 How AI may be affecting our IQ (Flynn effect)
- 1:02:43 Final thoughts
Links:
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© Dr Marianne Trent
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The Race to Recurring Revenue Challenge 2026
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The Race to Recurring Revenue Challenge 2026
Could you earn money in ways that aren't directly tied to your time?
Whether you're a psychologist, another professional, a business owner or simply someone curious about creating an additional income stream, this FREE four-day challenge could be a brilliant place to start!
Race to Recurring Revenue, hosted by Sophie Foote, runs from 2–5 November 2026 and explores how you could develop ideas for passive and recurring income.
Across four days, you'll explore:
- Different ways to create income beyond one-to-one work.
- How to develop an idea that could become a product, service or recurring income stream.
- Ways to attract the right people and build trust.
- How to start thinking about marketing and launching your ideas.
It's completely FREE, with short daily training sessions and practical activities to help you get started.
I completed the One to Many programme back in 2022, and it helped transform the way I think about my own business and career. I've since developed books, courses, memberships and other ways to share my knowledge beyond individual appointments.
I'd love you to come along and explore what's possible for you too!
Sign up for FREE using my link:* https://sophiefoote.com/landing-page?am_id=marianne4238
*This is my affiliate link. If you subsequently choose to purchase a paid programme through my referral, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. The challenge itself is completely free.