Pioneered in the 1990s by French psychologist Alfred Binet, the intelligence quotient (IQ) test measures key aspects of operational intelligence. Given intelligence's multifaceted nature, these standardized tests focus on specific elements like functional and procedural intelligence. But once measured, can your IQ change? Is boosting it possible?
Before diving into whether IQ can be improved, consider this: Does IQ shift over a lifetime? Some neuropsychologists argue it remains stable but can be optimized through better use of existing abilities. Others see significant changes tied to life experiences and activities.
Distinguishing Intelligence from Knowledge
Jack Naglieri, professor at the University of Virginia, notes that studies claiming to raise IQ often enhance pre-existing cognitive processes. For instance, you can improve math performance without direct math instruction by teaching focus, thought organization, and task planning—benefits that spill over to all subjects.
This isn't always about raising IQ itself but refining innate capacities. Crucially, intelligence differs from knowledge: Studying expands vocabulary, but it doesn't inherently make you smarter. True IQ assessment targets underlying abilities separate from acquired knowledge.
Compelling Evidence of IQ Fluctuations
Richard Nisbett, psychologist at the University of Michigan, affirms IQ can change, though scores stabilize with age—most volatile in childhood and adolescence, even over a year. Notably, average IQs rise in modern societies: the Flynn effect shows a 3-point gain per decade, totaling 18 points from 1947 to 2002. A 20-year-old in 1947 scored below one in 2002 on average.
Stephen Ceci, developmental psychology professor at Cornell University, cites robust studies, including a November Nature article by Price and colleagues. They tracked 33 adolescents (ages 12-16) over four years with IQ tests and brain imaging. Scores fluctuated by over 20 points, correlating with brain changes—verbal IQ gains matched verbal brain region developments.
Many studies link IQ shifts to education, like teaching systematic categorization (“taxonimizing”), which boosts performance on IQ tests.
[The rest of the article is only accessible to Premium subscribers during the first 30 days of publication]
...