History of the Wonderlic Test
The Wonderlic test was developed in 1936 by Eldon F. Wonderlic, a graduate student studying psychology at Northwestern University. Originally designed as a quick assessment tool for employers, it has evolved into one of the most widely used cognitive ability tests in the world.
- 1936: Created by E.F. Wonderlic at Northwestern
- 1970: Adopted by the NFL for the first time
- 1980s: Expanded to Fortune 500 companies
- Today: Over 2.5 million tests administered annually
The Origins: 1936
After leaving school to pursue his studies in psychology, Eldon F. Wonderlic developed an IQ test for the purpose of reducing turnover in entry-level hires, while simultaneously lightening the burden of interviewing and training new employees. His first client was a Chicago ad agency who needed a test to assess and predict a salesperson's ability to perform. Originally named the Wonderlic Personnel Test, the Wonderlic test proved successful at providing an accurate indication of someone's fitness for a role by analyzing their score.
The NFL Connection: Coach Tom Landry
The most famous adoption of the Wonderlic Test came in 1970 when legendary Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry began using it to evaluate draft prospects at the NFL Combine. Landry recognized that football required split-second decision-making under extreme pressure—exactly what the Wonderlic measured.
1970: NFL Adoption
Tom Landry first implements Wonderlic at Combine
Position Correlation
Quarterbacks average 28, proving cognitive link
Modern Standard
All NFL prospects tested since 1970
Evolution & Modern Use
Over the decades, the Wonderlic has evolved from a simple personnel screening tool into a comprehensive cognitive assessment used across multiple industries. The test's ability to accurately predict performance under pressure made it invaluable to employers, sports franchises, and even military recruiters.
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