The Complete Book of Intelligence Tests
6.
The sticks produce an equation that is obviously incorrect. Remove three sticks without disturbing the sticks already placed in order to make the equation correct.
7.
Add the largest possible equilateral triangle so that it does not touch any of the other triangles and does not overlap the side of the rectangle. (Hint: page 80)
8.
Find a way to add 16 sticks, without disturbing any of the 18 already in place, in order to make the equation read correctly.
9. Before crowds of people at the arena, the emperor offers the gladiator one last chance to escape death by drawing one of two slips of paper from a bag. The emperor announces that on one piece of paper is written the word ‘death’ and on the other is written the word ‘freedom’. The gladiator’s lover, who is the emperor’s wife, manages to whisper that both pieces of paper say ‘death’. Despite this, the gladiator still wins his freedom. How?
10.
Divide the rectangle into the smallest possible number of segments of equal size and area, so that each segment contains the same number of triangles, bells and circles. (Hint: page 80)
5
Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence, more commonly referred to as emotional quotient (EQ), is the ability to be aware of, control and manage one’s own emotions and those of other people. The two main aspects of EQ are:• Understanding yourself, your goals, aspirations, responses and behaviour.
• Understanding others and their feelings.
The concept of emotional intelligence was developed in the mid- 1990s by Daniel Goldman, coming to prominence with his 1995 book Emotional Intelligence. The early emotional intelligence theory was originally developed in the USA during the 1970s and 1980s by the work and writings of Howard Gardner of Harvard University, Peter Salovy (Yale) and John Mayer (New Hampshire).
The EQ concept argues that IQ, which has tended to be the traditional measure of intelligence, is too narrow and that there are wider areas of emotional intelligence, such as behavioural and character elements, that help to dictate how successful we are. It is because of this that emotional intelligence, in addition to aptitude testing, is now an important part of recruitment interviewing and selection procedures.
Although scoring highly in an aptitude test may impress a prospective employer, it does not reveal the full story, as it does not automatically follow that the applicant will be suited to the position for which they are applying. While they may be intellectually qualified to do the actual job, it may be they do not actually enjoy many aspects of the work involved or will not fit into a team, as a result of which they would be very likely to under-perform.
To prevent such a mismatch occurring, personality profiling tests are becoming increasingly common as part of the job interview process. Such tests measure personality traits, e.g. how you relate to other people; how you relate to emotions, both your own and those of your colleagues; how you respond to stressful situations; or what motivates you.
In general, the term ‘personality’ refers to the patterns of thought, feeling and behaviour that are unique in every one of us, and these are the characteristics that distinguish us from other people. Our personality thus implies the predictability of how we are likely to act or react under different circumstances, although in reality nothing is quite that simple and our reactions to situations are never entirely predictable.
Goldman summarized the five EQ domains as:1. Knowing your emotions.
2. Managing your emotions.
3. Motivating yourself.
4. Recognising and understanding other people’s emotions.
5. Managing relationships, i.e. managing the emotions of others.
It is now widely recognised that if someone is deemed intellectually intelligent, it does not necessarily follow they are also emotionally intelligent, and possessing a high IQ rating does not mean that success will automatically follow.
Being intellectually brilliant does not mean that persons are able to relate to other people socially, neither does it mean they are capable of managing their own emotions or able to motivate themselves.
The following questionnaires are designed to test different aspects of your personality. The procedure for completing each of these is to answer the questions as truthfully and as realistically as possible; in other words, be true to yourself at all times in order to obtain the most accurate assessment.
There is no need to read through these tests first before attempting them: just answer intuitively and without too much consideration. There are no right or wrong answers and, although you should work as quickly as possible, there is no set time limit.
Test 5.1 Anxious or relaxed
In each of the following choose from a scale of 1 — 5 which of these statements you most agree with or is most applicable to yourself. Choose just one of the numbers 1 — 5 in each of the 25 statements. Choose 5 for most agree=most applicable, down to 1 for least agree=least applicable.
Assessment
Total score 90-125
Your score indicates that you are of a somewhat overly anxious nature who finds it very difficult to relax completely, and you are constantly on your toes for any unforeseen event that may occur. You also have the tendency to build many things up in your own mind out of all proportion.
As this is in your nature and possibly the way by which you deal with things and cope with pressure, it is nevertheless important to try and adopt a more relaxed attitude to life, since anxiety does lead to stress and stress is the cause of many serious health problems.
It is necessary sometimes for overly anxious people to make a concerted effort to relax more, and one way of doing this may be by cultivating new interests and by taking one step back and reflecting on their life and its positive aspects.
In times of extreme anxiety, it may be necessary to try and temporarily switch off completely from your daily routine and try to relax and chill out completely for a few days by doing something you really enjoy, whether it be lazing around the garden, listening to music, having a few rounds of golf or spending quality time with friends and family. This may well enable you to get things into perspective and help you cultivate a more relaxed attitude to life.
It is also important to all of us, but especially overly anxious people, that we are able to recognise any early warning signs that we are pushing ourselves too far. Then we can try to do something about it before it is too late.
Total score 65-89
You are in the fortunate position that although, like all people, you find yourself stressed out to a certain degree from time to time, this tends to be the exception rather than the rule. Anxiety for you is no more of a problem than it is for the average person.
Generally you appear to be a well-balanced person who is able to face up to problems as they arise and does not spend too much time worrying about things that may never happen. You also appear to have sufficient resolve to face up to any stressful situations that may occur in the future.
You are able to recognise any early warning signs that you may be pushing yourself too hard and, on these occasions, are able to do something about this by switching off somewhat and slowing down a little.
Total score less than 65
Whilst you do worry on occasions, as do all of us, you appear to have a laid-back, relaxed attitude to life, with the result that high anxiety is less of a problem for you than it is for the average person.
This attitude can have a calming influence, not just on yourself but also on those around you.
One word of caution to having an almost totally relaxed attitude to life is believing that problems will never occur. We all have to face up to numerous problems in our lifetime. Often, if we are able to anticipate such problems, we are able to minimise or even avoid them. Consequently, on occasions, a degree of forward planning is desirable. You should therefore have the ability to plan ahead and also build in a leeway for the unexpected.
It is also
worth bearing in mind that a certain amount of tension is positive. People often respond to, and are encouraged by, challenges.
Test 5.2 Extrovert or introvert
Answer each question or statement by choosing which one of the three alternative responses given is most applicable to you.
1. Do you prefer to work alone, or as part of a team?a) No strong preference.
b) Alone.
c) As part of a team.
2. How much do you enjoy social gatherings?a) I can take them or leave them.
b) Very little.
c) Very much.
3. What is your ideal way of celebrating your birthday?a) Going out for a meal with a few family or friends.
b) I prefer my birthday to be just like any other normal day.
c) A surprise party with lots of family and friends.
4. Are you more comfortable when talking to people on a one-to-one basis or in a group discussion?a) No strong preference.
b) On a one-to-one basis.
c) In a group discussion.
5. How quickly do you become bored and restless when performing routine tasks?a) Fairly quickly.
b) Not very quickly, as I am able to apply my mind to, and concentrate on, the task in hand.
c) Extremely quickly.
6. When travelling alone on a long train journey would you be likely to strike up a long conversation with a complete stranger sitting next to you?a) Maybe not a long conversation but I might exchange a few pleasantries with them.
b) Not really.
c) Yes I would really enjoy having a lengthy conversation with them.
7. How often do you like to let your hair down, let yourself go and have a real good time?a) Just occasionally.
b) Hardly ever at all, as that is not really my idea of enjoyment.
c) As often as possible.
8. If you were asked to give a speech at a function, would you feel happy about doing this?a) It wouldn’t worry me, although I may be a little nervous beforehand.
b) No, as I would be very nervous.
c) Yes, I would relish the prospect.
9. How easily do you make friends?a) Fairly easily.
b) Not easily.
c) Very easily.
10. If you need to approach someone in high authority for a favour, would you prefer to ask them:a) By telephone.
b) By letter or email.
c) Face to face.
11. How quickly are you on the dance floor at a social function?a) I tend to go with the flow and join in more or less at the same time as everyone else.
b) I don’t venture on the dance floor if I can avoid it.
c) Usually one of the first.
12. Would you describe yourself as a leader or a follower?a) A bit of both, depending on the situation or circumstances.
b) Generally a follower.
c) Generally a leader.
13. What would be your reaction if someone asked you to sell some raffle tickets for charity?a) I would probably accept, but say that I might not be able to sell them all.
b) I would probably have to decline, as I would be unlikely to sell them.
c) I would accept, and would not expect to have any problem selling the tickets.
14. Do you think people see you as a fun person?a) Perhaps, in certain ways.
b) I doubt it.
c) Hopefully.
15. What would be your reaction if the position of chair suddenly became vacant on a committee on which you were sitting?a) I may consider the position of chairperson, but only if approached by one of the other committee members to stand for election.
b) I would not wish to become the next chairperson.
c) I would probably push to become the next chairperson.
16. How often do you let your opinions be known?a) Whenever I feel it is necessary.
b) Only when pressed to do so.
c) Frequently.
17. Do you enjoy being the centre of attention?a) Perhaps so, occasionally.
b) No.
c) Yes.
18. Which of the following words would you say is the most applicable to you?a) Tenacious.
b) Cautious.
c) Popular.
19. Do you enjoy making small talk at buffet lunches?a) It’s OK.
b) No, I hate small talk and can never think of anything to say.
c) Yes, I am quite comfortable when making small talk.
20. Do you prefer to discuss things face-to-face or over the telephone?a) No preference.
b) Over the telephone.
c) Face-to-face.
21. Would you go out of your way to meet ‘the right people’?a) Maybe.
b) No.
c) Yes.
22. Which of the following words would you say is the most applicable to you?a) Balanced.
b) Shy.
c) Effervescent.
23. Do you enjoy performing your party piece at Christmas parties and other occasions?a) Not particularly, but I will join in the fun rather than be seen as a party pooper.
b) No, in any case I don’t have a party piece that I could perform.
c) Yes.
24. Would you appear naked on a charity calendar?a) I would like to think so, but I’m not sure I could pluck up the courage.
b) No way.
c) Yes.
25. Do you ever run out of things to say when talking to someone you have just met?a) Not usually.
b) Yes, I do sometimes tend to dry up after a while.
c) No, I cannot say that I do, as there is always lots to ask people.
Assessment
Award yourself 2 points for every (c) answer, 1 point for every (a) and 0 points for every (b).
40-50 points
Your score indicates that you are an extrovert who enjoys being the centre of attention and cannot by any stretch of the imagination be called a shrinking violet.
This generally means that you will not be lacking in outer confidence and you will always appear to be trying to get the most out of life, although it is possible that some people who give the impression of being extroverts are acting in this way in order to cover up their inner self-doubts and anxieties.
Although many people will admire your zest and energy, you should nevertheless take care not to be too much of an extrovert to the point that people find you excessively pushy, even to the extent of being overbearing. Often someone with a bubbly personality will achieve greater success and win more friends if that personality is tempered with a degree of modesty and sensitivity towards others.
25 - 39 points
Your score indicates that you are no more of an extrovert or an introvert than the average person.
Although you sometimes may wish that you could be as outgoing as those who appear more extrovert than yourself, it may be that by having the ability to show reserve, especially when it is appropriate, you are probably regarded by other people as someone who they feel relaxed about having in their company.
If, at times, you feel that you are a little shy and ‘backward at coming forward’, it may be that you secretly admire the way people who are more extrovert than you behave. It is, however, these people who are in the minority and, in fact, you are probably regarded by other people as a person who does possess a much more appealing personality.
Less than 25 points
Although your score indicates that you are quite introverted, this does not mean that you cannot be successful in life.
Many people are extremely modest and shy, but at the same time have the ability to be high achievers in their own field, providing they can recognise their own talents and gain an extra bit of self-confidence to harness their potential.
Although you may prefer to keep your views to yourself, on those occasions where you are bursting to express an opinion, or join in a conversation, you may be afraid of doing so because you worry about what people think, especially if there are a number of people present.
This may be indicative of a lack of confidence in how peop
le will react to you, even to the extent of a feeling of inferiority.
It may be that you do not lack the inner self-confidence and belief in yourself, but are afraid of expressing this inner self in public. You should, however, make a concerted effort to try and gain that extra degree of self-confidence to harness your potential even more and try not to be backward at coming forward.
Test 5.3 Optimist or pessimist
In each of the following, choose from a scale of 1 — 5 which of these statements you most agree with or is most applicable to yourself. Choose just one of the numbers 1 — 5 in each of the 25 statements. Choose 5 for most agree=most applicable, down to 1 for least agree=least applicable.
Assessment
Total score 90-125
Mr Micawber was Charles Dickens’ eternal optimist, always expecting that something would turn up. Your score indicates that you are a twenty-first century Mr Micawber.
This is a wonderful and enviable outlook on life to possess. You have the ability somehow to look on the bright side whatever happens and firmly believe that for every dark cloud a silver lining will appear, and that for every bad event something positive will emerge.