New Study Confirms High Correlation Between Online Tests and Standard IQ Measures

OpenIQ is proud to share the results of a new convergent-validity study showing that our flagship self-administered online IQ assessment—built on the International Cognitive Ability Resource (ICAR) framework—achieves correlations of r = .81 (manifest) and r = .94 (latent) with clinician-administered WAIS-IV scores, matching the precision of in-person testing while dramatically expanding access.

Drawing on data from nearly 100 adult participants, this research demonstrates that a rigorously designed digital assessment can capture general intelligence (‘g’) with accuracy on par with traditional, proctored in-person measures like the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale–Fourth Edition (WAIS-IV).

“These findings validate the power of modern, self-administered cognitive testing—when grounded in strong psychometric design—to deliver high-quality insights without geographic or logistical constraints,” says Dr. Elena Torres, lead researcher at OpenIQ.

Study Overview

In a sample of 97 adults (ages 18–65), participants first completed the 16-item ICAR online battery on their own devices and, within one week, returned for a standard in-person WAIS-IV administration. Analyses included:

• Manifest correlation (total score): r = .81
• Latent-variable correlation (g-factor): r = .94
• Reliability: Cronbach’s α for ICAR total = .88
• Equivalence of telehealth WAIS-IV: No significant score differences versus face-to-face administration (based on parallel research cited in the study).

Key Findings

• High Convergent Validity: ICAR scores track WAIS-IV full-scale IQ closely, exceeding typical correlations seen between many online cognitive tasks and established IQ measures (median r ≈ .49).
• Telehealth Fidelity: Parallel research confirms clinically equivalent WAIS-IV results can be obtained via video call, further supporting the robustness of remote testing protocols when properly implemented.
• Diverse Populations: Preliminary subgroup analyses show consistent correlations across gender and education levels, suggesting broad applicability, though further research with larger, more diverse samples is warranted.

Strong correlation found between online ICAR and in-person WAIS-IV scores.

Implications for Online Assessment

1. Scalability & Accessibility: Organizations can reliably screen cognitive ability at scale—without the need for travel, proctors, or specialized venues—significantly reducing cost and administrative burden.
2. Early‐Phase Screening: ICAR’s relative brevity (approximately 15 minutes) makes it ideal for preliminary candidate assessment in hiring, educational placement guidance, or large-scale research sampling where a quick, reliable estimate is needed.
3. Further Clinical & Occupational Use: While not a substitute for comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation, the ICAR's strong correlation with the WAIS-IV suggests its potential utility in efficiently flagging individuals who may benefit from more detailed follow-up in clinical or occupational contexts.

About the ICAR Battery

The International Cognitive Ability Resource (ICAR) project provides open-source tools for cognitive assessment. The ICAR-16 battery used by OpenIQ combines four subtests designed to tap core facets of fluid and general intelligence:

• Matrix Reasoning
• Letter & Number Series
• Three-Dimensional Rotation
• Verbal Reasoning

Adaptive timing and randomized item pools can be employed in online implementations to help ensure test security and reduce potential practice effects.

Next Steps & Research Directions

OpenIQ is committed to the continuous improvement of its assessment tools. Future research directions include:

• Broader Norming: Expanding the reference database to include older adults, non-native English speakers, and participants from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds to ensure equitable interpretation.
• Task Refinement: Potentially incorporating dynamic difficulty adjustments (adaptive testing) within the ICAR framework to further tighten measurement precision across the full ability spectrum.
• Longitudinal Studies: Assessing test–retest stability over longer periods and examining the predictive validity of ICAR scores for real-world outcomes, such as job performance and academic success.

Experience Validated Online Testing

Visit OpenIQ to experience our ICAR-based assessment firsthand and see how accessible online testing can deliver professional-grade cognitive insights anytime, anywhere. Your participation helps us refine and strengthen our norms for all users.