/sci/ - Science & Math

How good is IQ as a measure of "intelligence"?

As beings of flawed intelligence ourselves, we probably can't devise an exam that can accurately measure the exact cognitive faculties of each other. Besides, IQ seems to be rather reductionist: IQ tests tend to measure pattern recognition, arithmetics, logical puzzles and the like, but the full range of mental capabilities we have extends beyond that, into skills that are perhaps quite difficult or maybe even impossible to measure in a quantitative value (the whole idea of having IQ points as pseudo-stat points irl seems odd to me). Things such as social abilities, frequency and colour recognition, linguistic skills, self control and discipline, the ability to retain sobriety and self awareness under the influence of strong emotions or drugs. I don't know, it just seems like a flawed system. Besides that, this is ignorance on my part, but how can you accurately state the average inteligence of an entire ethnicity or country? Wouldn't you have to have a tremendous sample size and very thoroughly test a wide range of people in a variety of ways?

These are just my humble two cents. What do you guys think of this?