How to improve the IQ

Before addressing how to improve IQ, it is important to understand what it is. The term IQ stands for intelligence quotient. The intelligence quotient is the mathematical formula of the ratio of mental age to chronological age x 100. ( MA/CA x 100) When your mental age and chronological age are the same, the number would be 1. When that number is multiplied by 100, the average IQ is 100.The most frequently occurring IQ is 100. Decreasing numbers of people are located with either higher or lower IQ scores. The members of Mensa are those with IQ scores above 98% of the population (i.e. the top 2% of scores).

With this definition of IQ, the way to improve the IQ is to engage in activities that will increase ones’ mental age. Reading and practicing activities that improve one’s mental abilities will increase ones mental age. This can be as simple as solving puzzles, reading stimulating books, learning a new language or learning how to perform a new task.

Although the basic definition consists of the intelligence quotient, there has been a great deal of baggage added to the idea of IQ. The common concept of intelligence is often seen as ones conceptual learning, abstract reasoning and problem solving. Since these are tasks that are important to educators, and academic development, educators have used IQ tests that measure such abilities.

Common myths about IQ:

1. IQ measures intelligence. IQ is a mathematical ratio. The way people often use the term “IQ” is confused with innate intelligence. The confusion of IQ with innate intelligence has created many misunderstandings. Innate intelligence refers to one’s innate intelligence skills and abilities
2. IQ’s never change. Since it is a ratio, the number often changes depending on what a person learns.
3. IQ tests can be totally believed. The IQ tests only provide an estimate of a person’s academic skill abilities. The IQ test scores are often related to academic abilities rather than a person’s intellect. The scores obtained from IQ test vary from test to test. A score on one test is not the equivalent of the same score on another test. Some of the main ones are the Stanfor-Binet and the Wechsler.
4. IQ gives us a measure of a person’s competence. Competence and intelligence are two totally different ideas. Assuming competence or the ability to do a job is related to intelligence is a common mistake. Many political pundits often bring up IQ in association with competence, which only muddies things up.

There is often confusion between intelligence and IQ. Although people use the terms interchangeably, the meanings of what they are saying changes. When the term IQ is used in association with IQ test scores, there are activities that can be done to improve such scores.

Since IQ tests often place great emphasis on academic skills, the scores can be improved with training in those areas. Reading and learning ways to improve problem solving, abstract reasoning and conceptual learning will help improve such scores. Studying and practicing mathematical problem solving is one task that can help. Another is to read literature and then analyze the work in terms of the concepts presented. You can train yourself to even look at everyday problems on both the practical level and the abstract level, taking the solutions and making other applications of what you have learned. Since IQ test often have a strong cultural component, the more you understand about the culture the greater the likelihood you will improve your score. IQ tests often have items that also measure response time, so learning how to perform problem solving tasks faster will also help to improve one’s IQ test score.

There have been many controversies concerning IQ and what it actually means. The researcher Charles Murray published a book entitled, The Bell Curve", which examined the phenomena. His research ignited many discussions concerning IQ regarding what it means and what the significance of it is.

If there wasn't enough controversy concerning IQ, the concept "Emotional IQ" is now in ciculation. Rather than deal with intellectual ability or skill, it focuses on emotional and relational abilities and skills. The Emotional IQ promotors even have emotional IQ tests that they use in determining the measure.

On the humorous side, Toyota has recently released news about an upcoming car known as the iQ. It will be a super-compact designed to carry three adults, a child and some luggage. The car is seen as a competitor for the Smart. It is not by chance that the iQ and the Smart use terms that appeal to the intellect.

The iQ is designed to be fuel efficient and contains many innovations in automotive technology. The fuel tank is mounted under the seat, there are LCD screen navigation system in the car as well. In terms of improving the car, it depends on whether you are improving it in a cosmetic or performance basis. Custom paint jobs and decals are popular ways of improving the cosmetic aspects of cars. In terms of improving the performance, steps such as improving the exhaust, increasing fuel intake and turbo-charging the engine would be basic ways to improve the iQ.