IQ tests as much about motivation

An IQ test, long considered a basic way to measure intelligence, may, in fact, measure the test taker's motivation as well, a U.S. psychologist says. University of Pennsylvania psychologist Angela Lee Duckworth says her findings suggest a person's motivational level has a direct result on test results, medicalxpress.com reported Tuesday. Duckworth looked at previous studies where a financial incentive was offered to those taking the test, based on their results, and compared those with studies where test takers were not offered any incentives. A series of computer models of the data showed those with a higher motivational score achieved a higher IQ score, and a correlating prediction of later success in life held true. Researchers say they believe that while the IQ test ascertains raw intelligence, it is also measuring motivation and how much subjects want to succeed, both on the test and in life.