What limitation exists in solely relying on an IQ score for identifying gifted students?

Relying solely on an IQ score with a 130 cutoff can lead to the misidentification of gifted students because it may overlook those who possess exceptional abilities but do not score above this threshold. Giftedness can manifest in various forms, including creativity, leadership, and specific talents that an IQ test may not capture. Additionally, individual circumstances such as language barriers, cultural differences, or test anxiety can impact performance, resulting in underrepresentation of truly gifted individuals who may receive lower scores than deserved. Therefore, using a rigid cutoff excludes many students who have the potential to excel and contribute significantly in academic and creative environments. Thus, a broader, multifaceted approach to identification is essential to recognize the diverse ways in which giftedness can present itself.