What is IQ?
IQ short for intelligence quotient is a measure of a person’s reasoning ability in short it is supposed to gauge how well someone can use information and logic to answer questions or make predictions IQ tests begin to assess this by measuring short and long term memory.
How is IQ measured?
To assess an individual’s IQ, researchers begin by testing multiple people within the same age group to determine the average level of intelligence for each group. Subsequently, data is collected from participants in each age group, focusing on tasks that at least 70 percent of them can perform at their respective ages. This comprehensive testing process establishes a baseline for what researchers refer to as “mental age,” which is determined by an individual’s intelligence level compared to others in the same age group (CMH).
Moving forward, the researcher then examines the person’s “chronological age,” represented by a numerical value corresponding to the number of years they have lived. To calculate IQ, the person’s mental age is divided by their chronological age and then multiplied by 100. For example, if someone has a mental age of 12 but is 10 years old, their IQ would be calculated by dividing 12 by 10 and multiplying the result by 100, which consequently results in an IQ of 120.
Yes, IQ can be increased
Nevertheless, the notion of intelligence being fixed is being challenged by current research, which strongly suggests that intelligence can change due to the brain’s neuroplasticity. In other words, our brain functions much like a muscle, and the more we exercise it, the more it strengthens over time. By engaging in regular cognitive exercises, new neuron connections develop within our brain, leading to a notable increase in our IQ.
Have you ever experienced a feeling of being the dullest person in the room? Has a low test score made you doubt your intelligence? Many people believe that their IQ is fixed and unchangeable, assuming that one bad grade condemns them to a lifetime of mediocrity. However, intelligence is not predetermined. The different regions of your brain responsible for learning, memory, and cognition can develop and change over time as you mature. Some individuals actively nurture these regions, leading to dense and complex brain growth, while others neglect them, leaving their brains underdeveloped and slow. The crucial point here is that your intelligence depends on your actions and efforts. Although nature plays a role, very few individuals are inherently destined for low intelligence. Increasing your IQ is not a quick and effortless process; it requires time and considerable hard work. The four techniques presented here offer powerful ways to develop your brain and enhance your intelligence. The best part is that all these techniques are readily accessible. So, if you are determined to increase your IQ, incorporate these four powerful techniques into your daily routine. Although it may demand considerable effort, the rewards will last a lifetime.
Independent Study
While advanced degrees provide various educational opportunities, you can boost your IQ without spending a fortune on expensive programs. In today’s information age, knowledge is readily available everywhere. By simply opening a web browser and typing any question, you can find answers from people across the globe. There are research studies, books by leading experts, and online courses taught by experienced professionals. The modern world offers an abundance of educational resources that are waiting to be explored. Many of the most intelligent people in the world have achieved success outside of traditional academia. They have taken the initiative to read dozens of books, attend conferences, listen to seminars, and connect with others in their fields. Online courses have allowed them to learn from the best and develop unique skills. The only obstacle to self-education is personal discipline. When you study independently, there is no one to guide or enforce your learning. Thus, developing self-discipline is crucial if you want to increase your IQ. Independent study instills a love for learning, fostering a thirst for new knowledge that sets intelligent individuals apart. They excel in various fields because they draw upon a diverse pool of information. So, if you’re interested in something, be it anything, grab a book, read an article, or enroll in an online course. Each new discovery contributes to the growth of your cognitive abilities, making you smarter with every step. You don’t need formal institutions or classrooms to cultivate your intelligence. With a multitude of educational resources at your disposal, you can actively raise your IQ on your own.
Musical Training
Did you learn to play an instrument as a child? Many people engaged in some form of musical activity during their upbringing, be it playing in a school band or learning a few songs on the guitar. These childhood hobbies leave a lasting impact on the brain. A study from 1998 in the Journal of Scientific Correspondence revealed a fascinating connection between musical training and learning capabilities. It turns out that adults who play musical instruments tend to be better learners compared to others. Imagine sitting in a class, listening to a lecture on American history or cell biology. Some students retain information more effectively through verbal stimuli, while others are visual learners who prefer diagrams and displays. Interestingly, adults with musical training demonstrated exceptional verbal memory skills, surpassing others in the study. However, they did not lag behind in visual learning either. This finding suggests that musicians have a proficiency in both verbal and visual learning. Learning to play an instrument challenges specific regions of the brain regularly, leading to their expansion and growth. As the brain undergoes plasticity, it adapts to the environment, and musical training strengthens regions associated with learning, memory, motor skills, and auditory abilities. Apart from enhancing cognitive functions, musical training is emotionally and creatively stimulating. So, whether it’s playing the piano, picking up your guitar, or exploring new sounds, a little practice can go a long way in stimulating your brain and increasing your IQ.
Strengthening Your Heart
Physical fitness and intellectual performance are closely intertwined. A study published in 2009 by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America uncovered a compelling link between intelligence and athleticism. Although the stereotype is that brains and brawn are natural opposites, physical fitness can significantly impact your IQ. However, it’s essential to clarify that building muscles and lifting weights won’t directly enhance your brain’s capacity. Instead, the focus should be on conditioning your heart. In the mentioned study, participants with strong cardiovascular systems demonstrated higher intelligence levels. The heart plays a crucial role in supplying oxygenated blood to the brain, which is vital for its optimal functioning. Furthermore, the heart and brain engage in a complex communication process through nerve impulses, hormones, pressure waves, and neurotransmitters. This intricate interplay influences various cognitive and psychological functions. Maintaining physical fitness, particularly cardiovascular health, ensures that your brain receives the necessary oxygen and nutrients to perform at its best. So, regular exercise not only benefits your body but also supports cognitive functions, ultimately contributing to an increased IQ.
Mastering a New Language
Language is a cornerstone of our society, enabling us to express ideas, communicate, and understand one another. Proficiency in language has a significant impact on our intellectual abilities and social interactions. Learning a new language can be an excellent way to improve your understanding of language itself and expand your cognitive abilities. Bilingual individuals enjoy a neurological advantage, as evidenced by a 2012 study in the Journal of Neural Image. Learning a new language challenges specific brain regions, such as the hippocampus (responsible for learning and memory) and the frontal lobe (associated with problem-solving and language comprehension). As a result, bilingual adults have a higher concentration of gray matter in these regions, leading to more complex cognitive development and ultimately contributing to a higher IQ. The advantages of language learning are not confined to a specific age; you can start at any time and experience positive effects on your brain’s plasticity and cognitive functions. Numerous resources, such as classes, tutors, books, and interactive language apps, are available to help you embark on this journey. Embracing a new language not only expands your communication skills but also enhances your brain’s capacity, resulting in lasting intellectual growth.
These four techniques offer powerful avenues to increase your IQ and stimulate your brain’s development. Embrace independent study to become a proactive learner, explore the world of music to nurture both verbal and visual learning, prioritize cardiovascular health for optimal brain function, and embark on the journey of language learning to boost cognitive capabilities. Incorporate these techniques into your daily routine, and you’ll witness the lasting rewards of a sharper, more intellectually agile mind.