— Cognitive concept

Performance IQ

The cognitive ability index measuring spatial, perceptual, and non-verbal reasoning.

Performance IQ (PIQ) is the non-verbal counterpart to verbal IQ in older Wechsler test batteries. It measures spatial reasoning, perceptual organisation, and visual-motor problem-solving — abilities that don't depend on language.

— Try one before you read on

Which number completes the sequence: 2, 6, 12, 20, 30, ?

What performance IQ measures

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Classic performance IQ subtests included:

Block design — reproducing abstract patterns with coloured blocks
Picture completion — identifying missing details in images
Picture arrangement — sequencing scenes to tell a story
Object assembly — completing visual puzzles
Digit symbol coding — speed of symbol-symbol pairing

Why it was created

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Performance IQ was developed partly to allow IQ testing of people with limited English (or English literacy). The non-verbal nature of the tasks reduced bias from language background.

Modern equivalents

→The numbers above? Find out where YOU land.

The verbal/performance split was retired in WAIS-IV (2008) and replaced with four indices that measure cognition more granularly: verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, and processing speed. "Performance IQ" as a single index is no longer reported on current Wechsler tests.

How Core Brain measures these abilities

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Core Brain measures the abilities historically captured by Performance IQ across three of its six axes: spatial reasoning, pattern recognition, and abstract matrix reasoning. You see your score on each axis separately rather than as a single composite.

Test your own cognition

See how you score across all six axes — pattern, spatial, logic, verbal, numeric, matrix — in 20 minutes.

Related concepts

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