Session 2: Dumbo

For this session's assignment, you will need to blog about an issue covered during the session. A suggested topic is whether you believe IQ testing (for job applications) should be allowed. Please elaborate on this response. (min. 150 words)

Should IQ testing for job applications be allowed?

I believe that IQ testing for job applications should be allowed. Although some may argue that it is discrimination and 'elitism', that it is unfair that an IQ test is used because it will be a disadvantage to those who are less proficient in the tested areas, I feel that having an IQ test is fair game.

Firstly, our society, if not the world is already built on the concept of survival of the fittest. Everywhere in the world, especially Singapore, people of all ages are competing- the children in the education system, the adults for jobs. IQ testing is simply another area for people to compete in.

Would sports, for example, be banned because it is 'unfair'? In essence, almost everything is unfair in life, because everyone is unique, with different capabilities to different extents in various areas. Just because intelligence is in a more touchy area doesn't mean that IQ tests should be banned during job interviews.

Secondly, the employers have a right to demand certain standards from their employees. It doesn't matter what the employer wants, if he or she demands the employee to be able to clean the floor, do 50 pushups or attain a certain score in an IQ test, the employee has to meet that standard. It is the choice of the employers to determine the criteria for employing the person as they are the ones paying the person, so they have a right to test whatever capabilities of the person that they desire. If the employer feels that having a high IQ is necessary for the job, then i feel that he should demand a high IQ for the interviewees.

Thus, IQ testing for job applications should be allowed.