Can You Increase Your IQ Over Time?TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2017 08:45 AM
Intelligence is something of a mystery. It's not entirely understood why some individuals are born with high intellect and a penchant for learning while others have to work hard to retain information. When we see gifted kids, many adults are prone to wondering if they can gain smarts or if they had to be born with intelligence.
Can you improve your IQ?
For many years, scientists have wondered and argued about whether you can alter your intelligence. Slate reported that researchers have only one real conclusion: While you may not be able to alter your intelligence levels, you can adjust the scores on IQ tests. How? With a little practice. The only trouble is that while you may earn a higher score on a test, that doesn't mean you're smarter. Instead, it shows you are better able to take the specific test.
How is this helpful? This information can provide a look into the human brain and may prove useful for young students who are coming up on taking the SAT, ACT or other college entrance exams.
Gifted kids and IQs
Children who are gifted are born with high IQs. That does not automatically mean they will excel in school and move on to postsecondary education without a hitch. Nor are they guaranteed to take on a challenging profession that requires their exemplary smarts. So, what does a high IQ mean? Think of it as potential. While gifted kids have the ability to become leading members of society, they also may not use their smarts entirely.
Without the proper stimulation and challenges in early schooling years, gifted kids can become bored and act out in class. This may lead to miscommunication, reprimands for misbehavior and negative associations between ... (read more)
How to Increase Your IQ Over TimeMONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2017 09:21 AM
An individual's IQ is not set in stone. In fact, you can take steps to improve your IQ over time with some learning opportunities and activities. If you want to increase your IQ, here are some ways to do so:
Try new things
The phrase, "You can't teach an old dog new tricks" is entirely false. In fact, acquiring new knowledge and skills is a crucial step towards upping your overall IQ. One way to do this is to take on a language you have never tried before. Start by studying vocabulary words and learning beginning phrases like, "Where is the bathroom?" and "My name is ____." You could even learn a language with your family! It is a great way for kids to improve their IQs as well as work on English skills.
Gaining a new physical skill can also bump up your IQ. While you may not think beginning to play soccer, for example, can help your smarts, the game is not just about running and kicking. Sports teach physical skills but also improve critical thinking, logical reasoning and cooperation.
Playing an instrument can also prove useful. Even if you have never looked at a music note in your life, beginning to learn now may help you improve cognitive thinking and memory. Try a woodwind instrument like the flute or saxophone, or go for a stringed one such as the guitar or ukulele. Musical knowledge and skills only improve through practice, so don't learn one chord and expect your IQ to rise. Instead, dedicate a period of time each day to learn new chords and notes and practice songs.
Read
A study at Emory University noted that reading novels can improve overall brain function and connectivity. Reading fiction can help people me... (read more)
Why that social media IQ test is inaccurateMONDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2014 10:41 AM
Many people are curious what their IQ scores are, so when a five-minute IQ test circulated on social media, it was no surprise that it spread quickly. These short-and-sweet quizzes seem to pop up every now and then, giving Facebook users the chance to see how smart they are. The only problem is that these quick tests are inaccurate.
IQ scoring
The most recent social media phenomenon awarded an IQ score after the test taker completed a series of 18 questions. People could then post their scores to social media, sharing their perceived intelligence with their friends. However, according to The Mary Sue, the majority of people who took the quiz
scored in the 125-134 range. If you know anything about how real IQ tests are scored, you know the majority of people get around 100. IQ testing is a form of norm-reference test. In essence, the scores are compared to a median score that most people earn. The average intelligence falls around 100. People who are smarter or less smart than average score outside of the normal range. Outlier scores are comparable to a percentage. For instance, a person who scored 124 is estimated to be as intelligent as 6 percent of people. The quiz alludes to the comparison structure of IQ scores. The quiz tells users how their score compares to the rest of the population. However, it still awards a few too many surprising results.
Testing time
Standard IQ tests, including the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV), take a decent amount of time to complete: anywhere from an hour to 90 minutes. Children's IQ tests may not take... (
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