Final answer:
Before the age of 3, intelligence tests do not reliably predict future IQ scores as cognitive abilities are rapidly developing and are influenced by various external factors. IQ test scores stabilize around the age of 7.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before about age 3, intelligence tests generally do not predict future scores. Intelligence assessments in very young children (younger than 3 years old) are often unreliable predictors of future intelligence quotient (IQ) scores. The reason for this is that cognitive abilities are still rapidly developing at this stage, and assessments may not fully capture the child's true intellectual potential. Furthermore, various external factors can influence the results, such as the child's emotional state, the testing environment, and the interaction with the person administering the test. It is also important to note that scores obtained from IQ tests are more stable after a child reaches the age of approximately 7 years old. Standardized testing has evolved to improve accuracy and reliability, especially as developed by researchers like Jack A. Naglieri.