How is the Stanford-Binet Scored?

The Stanford-Binet V (Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales, Fifth Edition) measures a student’s nonverbal
and verbal abilities in five different areas:

 Fluid Reasoning – is a measure of the ability to think logically and solve problems in novel
situations, independent of acquired knowledge. This area of the SB-5 test evaluates a student’s
capacity to perceive relationships, identify patterns, and use abstract reasoning. It reflects a
person’s capability to solve new problems, use logic in novel situations and identify patterns.
Incorporating exercises to enhance fluid reasoning can be a significant part of a robust Stanford-
Binet test prep program.

 Knowledge – this subtest measures a student’s range of general information. This area reflects
the degree to which a student has learned, understood and retained information from various
domains, such as science, geography, history, and culture. It’s not merely about rote learning,
but also includes a student’s ability to apply this knowledge effectively. A well-designed SB-5
test prep class would aim to boost this acquired knowledge and its application.

 Quantitative Reasoning – involves the ability to comprehend quantitative concepts and

relationships and to manipulate numerical symbols. Students are tested on their understanding
of numbers, ability to perform mathematical computations, and problem-solving skills using
numerical reasoning. To perform well on this section of the SB-5 test, students may need to
focus on math skills development and numerical problem-solving exercises as part of their
preparation.

 Visual-Spatial Processing – measures the student’s ability to analyze and synthesize visual
stimuli. It gauges a person’s ability to perceive, analyze and think in visual patterns, including the
understanding of the relationship between objects and their spatial orientation. Building strong
visual-spatial skills can be an important part of using practice questions online and in
workbooks, as this can help improve a student’s capacity to process and interpret visual
information.

 Working Memory – assesses a student’s ability to temporarily hold and manipulate information
in their memory. It involves tasks such as remembering a series of numbers or letters and being
able to manipulate or reorder them. Working memory is a fundamental part of learning and
problem-solving, making it an essential skill to hone during getting ready for the test.

Here are all the standard IQ Score ranges for the Stanford-Binet:

The test results are expressed as an IQ (Intelligence Quotient) score, with different ranges associated
with varying levels of cognitive ability.

Here’s a detailed look at the standard IQ score ranges for the Stanford-Binet V:

 Low Average (80-90):Individuals in this range demonstrate cognitive skills that are slightly below
the average population. They may face challenges in certain academic or complex problem-
solving tasks but can generally cope with everyday life situations.
  Average (90-109): This is the range where the majority of people fall. Individuals within this
range typically perform adequately in most school and work situations. They have a balanced
cognitive ability and are capable of comprehending and solving conventional problems.

 High Average (110-119): Individuals in this range exhibit above-average cognitive ability. They
typically excel in many academic areas and demonstrate an increased capacity for
understanding complex concepts and problem-solving.

 High Achiever (120-129): People who score in this range are often high achievers,
demonstrating superior cognitive abilities. They tend to excel in academic settings and are often
perceived as quick learners who can handle more complex mental challenges.

 Moderately Gifted (130-144): Moderately gifted individuals display an exceptional level of

intelligence. They often excel acadically and are capable of understanding and solving highly
complex problems. These individuals may require enrichment or accelerated learning programs
to stay engaged and challenged.

 Highly Gifted (145-160+): This is the topmost tier of the scale, indicating extraordinary
intellectual capability. Highly gifted individuals are often capable of profound insights and can
quickly master complex material. They may require special educational accommodations to
meet their unique learning needs and to keep them motivated and challenged.

The SB5 normed total and subtest scores included on your child’s report are:

 Nonverbal IQ (NVIQ) – this is the normed combined score taken from the five nonverbal
subtests. This score represents an individual’s performance on the nonverbal subtests of the
exam. These subtests assess problem-solving abilities, visual-spatial processing, and working
memory without relying heavily on language skills.

 Verbal IQ (VIQ) – this is the normed combined score taken from the five verbal subtests. The
VIQ is derived from the verbal subtests of the Stanford-Binet V. These subtests primarily
measure verbal reasoning and knowledge, including vocabulary and comprehension skills, with
some aspects of memory also evaluated.

 Full Scale IQ (Full Scale Intelligence Quotient, or FSIQ) – this is the normed combined score
taken from all 10 subtests.

 Fluid Reasoning – measures a student’s ability to use inductive or deductive reasoning while
solving both verbal and nonverbal problems. This factor index measures the ability to solve
problems, identify patterns, and make connections between different pieces of information. It
involves deductive and inductive reasoning skills, crucial for learning and problem-solving in
new, unfamiliar, or complex situations.

 Knowledge – assesses your child’s understanding of general information, vocabulary, social

behavioral standards, and common sense that kids within the same age range are also expected
to know. This measures an individual’s general knowledge and comprehension across a range of
subjects. It reflects the ability to learn from experience and education, and to apply that learning
to practical situations.
 Quantitative Reasoning – assesses an individual’s abilities with basic math concepts (such as
identifying numbers and solving math word problems) as well as patterning, sequencing,
ordering, classifying, comparing, and numerical problem-solving skills. his index measures an
individual’s understanding of basic number concepts, mathematical problem-solving abilities,
and capacity to apply logic to problems involving quantity and structure.

 Visual-Spatial Processing – measures each student’s ability to identify patterns, relationships,

spatial orientations, and how individual pieces relate to whole images on display as well as solve
problems using pictures, images, diagrams, geometric shapes, maps or tables. This assesses the
ability to analyze and synthesize visual-spatial information. Skills tested include understanding
visual patterns, spatial orientation, and the ability to manipulate visual information mentally.

 Working Memory – assesses a child’s ability to access information he or she has just seen or
heard and how that data is inspected, transformed or sorted when answering a question or
solving problems, such as repeating number and letter sequences in order, tapping blocks in a
predetermined pattern or identifying visual and verbal absurdities shown on the test. This index
measures the ability to retain and manipulate information in conscious awareness. It involves
focusing attention, controlling impulses, and holding and updating information for problem-
solving.

 Percentile Rank (PR) – School districts use this number to compare each student’s individual
test performance against a nationwide sampling of students born within the same three-month
age range. A percentile rank of 80 means that child’s score was higher than 80% of students
tested nationwide, and the PR ranges from 1-99. The percentile rank indicates the percentage of
scores in its frequency distribution that are equal to or lower than it. For example, a test score
that is greater than or equal to 75% of the scores of people taking the test is said to be at the
75th percentile rank.