IQ Testing in a New Second Language

Reader’s Question

Can IQ testing be done (validly) in English when English is a very new second language for this individual?

–NG

Our Consulting Clinical Psychologist’s Reply

In my opinion, a valid estimate of the intellectual range of an individual can not be obtained using an English-language test when English is the recently-developed second language. Psychology has made attempts to develop intelligence tests that are culture-free and language-free. One of the earliest instruments was created by Russell Leiter, Ph.D. who happened to be a mentor of mine (wow, that make me feel old!). Dr. Leiter developed the Leiter International Performance Scale.

When these situations arise, often in schools or vocational testing, it may be wise to ask for a non-language measure of intelligence if available. Using an intelligence test in a new or other language would clearly produce invalid results and may adversely influence placement in classes or programs. If I were given an intelligence test in French — I’d be placed in a class for the cognitively challenged.

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