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IQ – What Do the Tests Tell Us?

Intelligence testing has a complex and often controversial history. What can IQ tests from the last century tell us about society and ourselves?

Temporary Exhibition

29 August–28 December 2025

IQ tests reflect the society and era in which they were created, and their history involves both good intentions and exercise of power.

Throughout the 20^th century, these tests were used for vastly different purposes—from providing children with educational support to defending eugenics or legitimizing forced sterilization. The tests have always sparked debates about nature versus nurture, segregation and integration, sorting and accommodation.

In this exhibition, you can view and explore selected intelligence tests from a historical collection from the Faculty of Educational Sciences, University of Oslo. You can also try out different test activities that showcase the variety of tasks an IQ test may include.

Bildekarusell

The exhibition is based on the research project Historicizing Intelligence at the University of Oslo. The same research project also inspired the exhibition Inside the Box? 100 Years of Intelligence Testing, which was displayed at the University of Oslo in 2023 by the Museum of University and Science History. At the Historical Museum, you will see an expanded version of this exhibition.

Please note that the exhibition is located on the museum’s 4^th floor, which is not accessible by elevator.