What is the "intelligence quotient" (IQ) primarily used to measure?

The intelligence quotient (IQ) is primarily utilized to measure a person's intellectual abilities in relation to others, making it a comparative assessment of cognitive skills and intelligence. IQ tests are designed to evaluate various cognitive functions, including reasoning, problem-solving, and understanding complex ideas, which are interpreted in the context of a statistical mean. Typically, an average score is set at 100, with scores above or below indicating higher or lower cognitive abilities compared to the general population.

This focus on intellectual functioning distinguishes IQ from measures of emotional intelligence, creativity, or physical capabilities, which are evaluated using different frameworks and assessments. Emotional intelligence reflects a person's ability to recognize and manage emotions, while creativity assessments evaluate innovative thinking and original ideas. Physical capabilities pertain to motor skills and physical fitness, areas outside the scope of IQ measurement. Therefore, the primary focus of the IQ score is to provide insight into cognitive abilities in a comparative context.