When choosing an IQ book, it is important to first define the type of book on the subject of intelligence quotient (IQ) that you wish to purchase. Next, you should consider the expertise of the author or authors of the book. Finally, it is a good idea to read reviews of books you are considering buying by scholars and other noted authorities in the area of intelligence testing.
If you are looking for an IQ book that addresses the issue of standardized testing and the concept of whether intelligence can be quantified, you may wish to begin your search by identifying well-respected scholars in this subject area. It is typically easy to do this online, and you may also wish to look through academic databases to find academic reviews and articles that might give you the names of authorities. Once you have some names, you can begin your search for any books that these people have written on the subject of IQ tests. As you find these books, consider looking up reviews written on them to see if the conclusions of these books have been accepted by the scholarly community.
On the other hand, you may be looking for a book that contains a test that can give you an idea of what your IQ might be. Although this type of IQ book does exist, you should be aware that many authorities are skeptical of this type of self-testing. Psychometrically valid IQ tests such as the Stanford-Binet and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale are designed to be administered by a qualified mental health practitioner. A do-it-yourself test is unlikely to give you accurate results, though it may provide you with some information about your intellectual strengths and weaknesses.
Some publishers have released books that purport to assist you in improving your intelligence. Although such a book is not an IQ book per se, the publisher may advertise the book as something that you can work with in order to improve your cognitive abilities and perhaps your IQ score. It is not at all clear that doing logic puzzles will necessarily improve your IQ, but many people find this sort of activity to be very enjoyable, and it may assist you in developing your intellectual and problem-solving skills. As with the other types of IQ books, you may wish to consider whether the author of the book is somebody with significant experience in the study of human intelligence.
