Can you increase your IQ?

It's something I've been thinking about for a while. When I was a kid, I could name every planet of the universe in order of distance from the Sun at the age of about six. My parents called me a genius. But I'm 15 now, and I realise; I'm not genius.

I've never done a proper IQ test, but I'd guess I have an IQ of maybe 120. I read fairly slowly, and I'm slow with arithmetic. And it scares me to think "what if I'll never be 'more intelligent?'" I've always wanted to be a quick thinker, observant, able to learn fast. I'm not, though. And I think most of these things are the traits that IQ represents.

And, so, I'm wondering if there is any way at all to permanently increase your IQ. I've read that doing puzzles can help stimulate and strengthen the mind, but is that just a short-term effect? I know that the Mozart Effect is only short-term. Is there any other way?

reply to post by Techy


yes, if read about sly stallone, he had a low IQ when growing up, he now has an IQ of 160 i think. He put it down to reading. As he got older he just read more and more, different things not stickingto the same old stuff... kinda makes sense, the more you use your brain and learn your IQ can grow. At 15 though your good, your probably playing xbox ... like me right now ha ha... not doing enough reading.

reply to post by Techy


in my honest opinion, everyone is good at things and simply suck at other things.


IQ is someones made up test based upon their opinion of "the person got that question right + 12 points"

just because you know that two things in space are so and so far away from each other, doesn't mean you smart.


everyone is unique and special.

reply to post by Techy


Yes you are, Techy.

What is going to make all the difference for you is focus and concentration...

www.4shared.com...

Check that out.

X.

reply to post by Techy


I'd say sure there is.. what it all boils down to is that some people have to work harder at certain things to see any improvement.

its like when you are a young kid, and you don't know anything at all about mathematics, it would be nearly impossible for you to do any sort of calculations.. then you go to school learn the basics and SHAZAM you can calculate your grocery list, the sales tax, the tip etc.

despite what many people with high IQ's would like you to think, knowledge really isn't anything we are born with, we have to be taught or teach ourselves if we wish to learn

don't spend too much time doing puzzles and things like that, instead spend that time learning about things that interest you.. you, like everyone else, will be puzzled many times in your life, especially when learning new things, learn from those puzzles instead.

besides, an IQ test basically just measures your logic, which isn't really the only thing that makes a person intelligent. for example, of course someone who can solve large equations in their head would be considered a genius, but what of those who make great works or art? are they any less of a genius? i'd say, no not at all, they are just applying, or specializing in a different area of the brain.

so my friend, it make take a little brain grease, but you pick the things that interest you and work hard and you will find the ends you seek.

remember, nothing in life is simple.

good luck! : )

reply to post by Techy

We're certainly not born with a set IQ, so of course it can be raised. Just the simple fact that you are inquiring about it is obvious reason that you can and that you probably will. Meditate, open your mind to new ideas, and always listen to the side of the story that you disagree with. Just being creative can spark something in you that gives you a deeper understanding of the world around you, thus increasing your IQ and ability to analyze.

reply to post by Xoanon


Having trouble downloading the file O_o seems that i go to an error page when trying,has the torrent been moved or soemthing?

reply to post by Techy

I've read that doing puzzles can help stimulate and strengthen the mind, but is that just a short-term effect?

If you do it for a short time it's a short term effect. You need to keep up with doing consistent "brain exercise"... anything that involves problem solving. The harder the problems the more it'll work your brain. You need to start small and work your way up to more challenging problems. The brain is like any other muscle in the body, with the right amount of exercise it will get "stronger". Learning to program has really helped boost my problem solving skills by a huge degree, because it involves all sorts of math and logic, with the core of it being problem solving. Get a hobby that you enjoy and also involves problem solving. If you're into electronics then learn how to build circuits... whatever you choose to do it should be fun or you'll simply stop doing it and the muscle you call a brain will get weaker. I notice when ever I take a long break from programming I do get a bit dumber during that time.


reply to post by emptyOmind

don't spend too much time doing puzzles and things like that, instead spend that time learning about things that interest you..

This is also a good point. It's not just about solving problems, it's also important to be learning new things and trying to understanding new concepts as often as possible. Becoming an expert at one thing will strengthen your mind in certain areas but learning a whole range of things will strengthen your mind in a range of different areas. Any hobby that involves lots of learning and problem solving is a good place to start. But I still try to learn about new things all the time, and many of those new ideas often challenge my old ideas, which is one of the best types of learning experiences.

Reading = weight lifting for your brain. Also, at your age, exercise is good. Not only is it healthy for you but it gets your blood moving better and that is important for brain function. Fish oils are also good. Eat lots of fish or supplement with fish oil or flax oil.

Btw, IQ is overrated.

Originally posted by Techy
It's something I've been thinking about for a while. When I was a kid, I could name every planet of the universe in order of distance from the Sun at the age of about six. My parents called me a genius. But I'm 15 now, and I realise; I'm not genius.

I've never done a proper IQ test, but I'd guess I have an IQ of maybe 120. I read fairly slowly, and I'm slow with arithmetic. And it scares me to think "what if I'll never be 'more intelligent?'" I've always wanted to be a quick thinker, observant, able to learn fast. I'm not, though. And I think most of these things are the traits that IQ represents.

And, so, I'm wondering if there is any way at all to permanently increase your IQ. I've read that doing puzzles can help stimulate and strengthen the mind, but is that just a short-term effect? I know that the Mozart Effect is only short-term. Is there any other way?

All parents call their kids genius. It's only natural. I called my son a genius, until I saw him pick his nose. Then I downgraded him to normal.

Anyway, IQ isn't a test to tell you how much you know. Its designed to see where your strengths and weakness are, and its not very accurate. In fact, IQ can change drastically over a person's lifetime.

Something else to keep in mind. The frontal lobe of the brain (the part responsible for metacognition, attention, flexibility, impulse control, organization, and a host of other skills) doesn't reach maturity until around 25. You said you were 15.....your brain is still growing.

Also, your body is probably flooded with hormones right now....and they can mess with your thinking. It gets better as you get older, so don't feel depressed or upset about it.

There are ways to improve your IQ, if that number is so important to you. Learn to play a musical instrument, read read read everything you can get your hands on, and go ahead and work those mind puzzles. Your brain is like a muscle, the more it is used, the stronger it gets.

Good luck with your quest!

Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.

Hi guys, thanks for the replies.

I guess a big part of the problem is that I barely ever read books anymore. I've also stopped learning anything, except at school. I might start learning programming again, or electronics. Maybe even mechanics, they're all fields I'd like to do some work in.

I was trying to do some puzzles, basic anagrams and crosswords, but they seem incredibly hard. Six-letter anagrams take me forever, if I actually can do them. I feel like I'm losing it completely.

Nonetheless, I'll start to read more, eat fish, and try to learn new things. Is learning a language beneficial in any way? I've always wanted to learn an old language, like Latin. I might do it if it'll be good for my mind.

I think I'll also try meditating.

So yeah, thanks for all the replies and suggestions