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IQ Test Maker Smarts Over EBay Sales Of Its Exams

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By MICHELLE ROBERTS, The Associated Press

Published: December 19, 2007

SAN ANTONIO, Texas - Intelligence tests widely used to help determine the competence of criminal defendants and the placement of students are for sale on eBay's online auction site, and the test maker is worried they will be misused.

The series of Wechsler intelligence tests, made by San Antonio-based Harcourt Assessment, are supposed to be sold to and administered by only clinical psychologists and trained professionals.

Given more than a million times a year nationwide, according to Harcourt, the intelligence tests often are among numerous tests ordered by prosecutors and defense attorneys to determine the mental competence of criminal defendants. A low IQ, for example, can be used to argue leniency in sentencing.

Schools use the tests to determine whether to place a student in a special program, whether for gifted or struggling students.

Harcourt officials say they fear the tests for sale on eBay will be misused for coaching by lawyers or parents.

EBay, however, has denied their request to restrict the sale of the tests.
EBay officials say there is nothing illegal about selling the tests, and it cannot monitor every possible misuse of items sold through its 248 million buyers and sellers.
Company spokesman Hani Durzy said eBay prohibits the sale of items that are illegal in some states, even if they're legal in others. And it prohibits the sale of some legal items as a matter of public good.

With regard to the Harcourt tests, he said, "at this point, this is our response."

Five of the tests were listed for sale Tuesday for about $175 to $900. The latest edition of the adult test, which retails for $939, was offered on eBay for $249.99.

"In order for it to maintain its integrity, there needs to be limited availability," Harcourt spokesman Russell Schweiss said.

Misinterpreting test results, even without malicious intent, could lead to mistakes in assessing a child's intelligence, said Aurelio Prifitera, president of Harcourt's clinical division.

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