What do IQ tests actually test?

Question

The tests seem limited to me, that they only test those that are good at rationalizations. IQ tests don't measure the ability to socialize well, or the ability of manual control, or ones ability to assess a person's character, or ones understanding of ethics etc. etc. Even though these things are not usually thought of as areas of intelligence, they are mental processes and in my opinion should be considered when evaluating ones mental abilities. What do you think?

Answer 1

The ability to learn quickly.

Answer 2

An IQ test measures your capacity to learn information.  You're right though it doesn't reflect physical or emotional intelligence.  Which are now of course very much accepted as forms of intelligence.  

The best IQ tests (for a given value of best) are the one's that require no formal education.  You shouldn't have to be able to read or do arithmetic to take one.

A person with an IQ of 160 is not necessarily going to be better at something than a person with an IQ of 120.  It's all about how you use your intelligence and how you apply yourself.  I have a very high IQ but am terrible with money.  I read a great deal but if you put a graph in front of me I start dribbling.