{"id":46009,"date":"2021-08-17T07:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-08-17T11:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/?p=46009"},"modified":"2021-08-25T16:23:52","modified_gmt":"2021-08-25T20:23:52","slug":"can-you-increase-your-intelligence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/can-you-increase-your-intelligence\/","title":{"rendered":"Can You Increase Your Intelligence? Science Says Yes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Can you increase your intelligence? Or is IQ fixed at birth? Is human IQ genetically predetermined or can it be improved?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Contrary to what many people think, your IQ isn\u2019t predetermined. In fact, Americans\u2019 average IQ has risen over time, likely because of changes in nutrition, schools, and culture.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn about the factors that affect your IQ and some strategies for improving your intelligence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--more-->\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">There Is More to IQ Than Your Genes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Several factors affect IQ scores, including:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Genes<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Environment<\/strong>: A small genetic advantage can be multiplied in an environment that supports learning. For example, if two students are comparably intelligent but one is part of a family that has a home library and goes to a school that offers many types of classes and clubs, her learning will be nurtured and her intelligence will expand exponentially.<\/li><li><strong>Socioeconomic status:<\/strong> In more affluent families, the parents tend to have higher levels of education as well as jobs that give them more resources to support their children\u2019s learning.&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Nutrition<\/strong>: Certain vitamins and nutrients support the brain\u2019s health and boost its capacity for learning. Specifically, fatty acids aid nerve cell development and the formation of new synapses. Studies showed babies\u2019 IQ scores were 3.5 to 6.5 points higher if they were exposed to fatty acid supplements directly or through their pregnant or breastfeeding mothers.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>Given that non-genetic factors are implicated in IQ, you can increase your intelligence with lifestyle, practice, mindset, and the right tools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Strategy #1: Growth Mindset<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Grit and perseverance are far more important ingredients for success than intelligence. <strong>People who have a \u201cgrowth mindset\u201d are empowered to take their success into their own hands because they understand that effort and discipline are critical to their learning potential. <\/strong>These people work harder, take more risks, and view failures as learning opportunities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, people who have a \u201cfixed mindset\u201d have no <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/an-internal-locus-of-control\/\">sense of control<\/a> over their own destinies because they believe that intelligence is the bottom-line determiner of success: They were either born with it or they weren\u2019t. These people become helpless when they encounter failure because they attribute it to their lack of intelligence and ability.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Psychologist Carol Dweck studied this phenomenon and found several other characteristics associated with growth and fixed mindsets.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>People with growth mindsets:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Create <em>learning <\/em>goals, which focus on gaining information and skills. <strong>They set increasingly challenging goals in order to continually expand their knowledge.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/li><li>Tend to receive praise for their <em>effort<\/em>, which encourages them to continue to work hard and persevere.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>People with fixed mindsets:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Create <em>performance<\/em> goals, which focus on measurable achievements that validate their skills. They set more conservative goals to ensure they can achieve them and receive the validation they seek.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Tend to receive praise for their <em>intelligence<\/em>, which discourages them from taking risks, for fear of blowing their image as an intelligent person.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>(Shortform note: Read more about the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/growth-mindset-characteristics\/\">growth mindset<\/a> in our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/app\/book\/mindset\">summary of <em>Mindset<\/em><\/a>, and about the value and the building blocks of grit in our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/app\/book\/grit\">summary of <em>Grit<\/em><\/a>.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Strategy #2: Deliberate Practice<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Mastery requires thousands of hours of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/deliberate-practice-definition\/\">deliberate practice<\/a>. Deliberate practice is more than mere repetition\u2014it has several distinct characteristics, including:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Being solitary<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/goal-oriented-behavior\/\">Being goal-oriented<\/a><\/li><li>Pushing past current ability<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>(Shortform note: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/app\/book\/peak\">Read more about the power of deliberate practice in our summary of <em>Peak<\/em><\/a><em>.<\/em>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-push-yourself\/\">Pushing yourself<\/a>, failing, troubleshooting, and trying again are necessary for building the skills and creating the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/increase-focus\/\">mental models<\/a> that lead to mastery.<\/strong> Through deliberate practice, you gradually develop a repertoire of increasingly high-level skills that you can then apply in a wide variety of situations.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although deliberate practice is generally most effective when it\u2019s solitary, coaches and trainers can play pivotal roles in helping you to see your areas of weakness, providing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/corrective-feedback\/\">corrective feedback<\/a>, and pushing you to redouble your efforts on the areas where you\u2019re struggling most.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Strategy #3: Memory Cues<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/memory-cues\/\">Memory cues<\/a> are tools for shorthanding information that you need to remember. <strong>Memory cues can help you remember facts on a surface level, but they\u2019re most valuable as a way of organizing and retaining information that you\u2019ve already mastered. <\/strong>For example, you can use a mnemonic device to remember names and dates for a history test, but you won\u2019t ace the test if you don\u2019t understand the <em>significance<\/em> of those names and dates.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/mnemonic-strategies\/\">Mnemonic devices<\/a> are tools that range from simple to complex to remember various types of information. For example, the acronym ROY G BIV is a mnemonic device for remembering the colors of the rainbow. <strong>In order for a mnemonic device to be useful, it needs to tether reminders to something very familiar<\/strong>, so that the things you need to remember are all tied to something nearly impossible to forget.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One type of mnemonic device that helps you recall larger amounts of information is a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/memory-palace-technique\/\">memory palace<\/a>. Memory palaces capitalize on the idea that it\u2019s easier to remember images than words.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To create a memory palace, follow these steps:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Choose a physical space or route that you\u2019re very familiar with, such as your home or your commute to work.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Choose objects or features that stand out in that physical space, such as your couch or a major intersection.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Make a mental link between each object and something you want to remember. For example, imagine yourself sitting on your couch with a friend who you need to remember to call.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>When you need to recall the information, take a mental tour of the space. As you imagine yourself passing by each object, its associated reminder should pop up in your mind.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another type of mnemonic device is a rhyme scheme, in which you create rhymes that associate your reminders with concrete images.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An example of a rhyme scheme is the peg method, which is a memory aid for lists of items. The peg method assigns an image to each number, from 1 to 20; the images always remain the same, no matter what you need to remember. Then you associate a reminder with each image. Say you assign \u201cshoe\u201d to 2, and you associate shoe with a reminder to go for a run.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Now that you understand the principles of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/effective-learning\/\">effective learning<\/a>, let\u2019s look at how to apply them in practice. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Suggestions For Learners<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Think of your intelligence as a work in progress and remember that you\u2019re constantly learning.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take an active approach to your learning. Reading this summary is a good first step. Follow up with these strategies:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Pause regularly to ask yourself questions about the material you\u2019re learning. These questions may include:&nbsp;<ul><li>What are the main concepts?&nbsp;<\/li><li>How would I explain these to someone else?<\/li><li>What concepts and information am I encountering for the first time?<\/li><li>What connections can I draw to my existing knowledge?<\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><strong>Think of a metaphor or image that demonstrates the principle you\u2019re learning<\/strong> (for example, thinking of how the movement of a bowling ball illustrates a law of physics).&nbsp;<\/li><li>Engage with your reading by anticipating what the main concepts will be and trying to define them before you\u2019ve found the definition in the text. As you read, see if you were right.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Similarly, <strong>try to solve math and science problems before you learn the formula<\/strong>. Once you learn the formula, go back and see how close you were.&nbsp;<\/li><li>As you study, create questions to quiz yourself later.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Schedule time to regularly spend a few minutes quizzing yourself on new and past material, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/what-is-interleaving\/\">interleaving<\/a> multiple subjects. Check your answers and review the topics of the questions you get wrong.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>To get the most out of a conference or professional development training, use these strategies:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Using a copy of the schedule or presentation materials, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-test-yourself\/\">test yourself<\/a> about the main concepts.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Schedule monthly emails to yourself with questions about the material to continue regular <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/memory-retrieval\/\">self-testing<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Suggestions for Teachers<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Teachers play an important role in teaching their students how to learn and designing instruction that incorporates effective learning and studying strategies.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First, help your students understand the principles of effective learning, including:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/desirable-difficulties\/\">Desirable difficulties<\/a> are important for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/how-to-understand-anything-deeply\/\">deep understanding<\/a> and long-term retention<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>The only way to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/become-an-expert\/\">achieve mastery<\/a> is to consistently reach beyond your current ability level<\/li><li>Failures are not only inevitable but also provide invaluable learning opportunities<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Second, incorporate desirable difficulties in your teaching by:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Using the principles of spacing, interleaving, and variation in the way you present information<\/li><li><strong>Giving frequent, low-stakes quizzes and being transparent about the quiz schedule<\/strong>. Students generally react and perform better when they know when to expect quizzes, and the anticipation doesn\u2019t reduce the quizzes\u2019 effectiveness.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>Incorporating past lessons and material in quizzes and exercises<\/li><li>Providing study aids that use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/active-recall-studying\/\">retrieval practice<\/a>, elaboration, and generation\u2014such as practice tests, reflection writing exercises, short answer retrieval exercises, and problems assigned before a lesson is reviewed in class<\/li><li><strong>Explaining the methods to students, and acknowledging the initial frustrations that these can cause to prevent students from getting discouraged and distrusting the strategies<\/strong><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Additionally, consider using some of these strategies to integrate the principles of effective learning:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li><strong>Bloom\u2019s Taxonomy Answer Keys<\/strong>: For each test, create an answer key that includes multiple answers for every question\u2014an answer for each level of Bloom\u2019s taxonomy of learning. Bloom\u2019s taxonomy describes the different levels of comprehension: remembering, understanding, applying, analyzing, evaluating, creating (creating may not be relevant for many test questions). When students get their tests back, provide the answer key and ask them to consider at what level they answered each question and how they can reach a higher level. For example, did they merely recall <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/the-three-branches\/\">the three branches<\/a> of government (remember)? Did they explain how the branches interact through checks and balances (understand)? Did they illustrate how the three branches work to pass a piece of legislation (apply)?<\/li><li><strong>Free Recall<\/strong>: At the end of class, students spend 10 minutes writing everything they remember from the day\u2019s lessons. Even if they <a href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/stuck-in-life\/\">feel stuck<\/a> after just a couple minutes, they must spend the entire 10 minutes trying to recall anything they can. After 10 minutes, they revisit their notes from the day, check that what they\u2019ve recalled is correct, and\u2014most importantly\u2014see what they\u2019ve forgotten. Then they know they must study the information they forgot.&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>High-Structure Class Design<\/strong>: Create a high-structure class, which includes daily and weekly retrieval exercises that are low-stakes but still count toward students\u2019 grades.&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Learning Paragraphs<\/strong>: At the end of the week, students write a paragraph answering a question that reflects on something from that week\u2014it may be about a main concept from the material, or how the student would improve her performance on the next test.&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Role Playing<\/strong>: For practice skills, have students role play, which allows them to use generative learning, get feedback, and reflect on how they could improve their approach.&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Small Groups<\/strong>: Students work in small groups during class to answer a high-level conceptual question the teacher poses. After a while, one student from each group explains her group\u2019s answer to the rest of the class, and the class critiques the group\u2019s conclusions.&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Summary Sheets<\/strong>: At the start of each week, students turn in a summary sheet of the previous week\u2019s lessons, preferably through illustrations (if the subject allows) with notations pointing out key concepts.&nbsp;<\/li><li><strong>Testing Groups<\/strong>: Replace study groups with testing groups. Without referring to their textbooks, students gather in groups to discuss questions they\u2019re struggling with and collaborate to find the answers. Each student typically knows different aspects of the answer, and together they can piece together the entire concept.&nbsp;<\/li><\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Can you increase your intelligence? Or is IQ fixed at birth? Is human IQ genetically predetermined or can it be improved? Contrary to what many people think, your IQ isn\u2019t predetermined. In fact, Americans\u2019 average IQ has risen over time, likely because of changes in nutrition, schools, and culture.&nbsp; Learn about the factors that affect your IQ and some strategies for improving your intelligence.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":26781,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[15,9,160],"tags":[461],"class_list":["post-46009","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-education","category-psychology","category-science","tag-make-it-stick","","tg-column-two"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.3 (Yoast SEO v24.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Can You Increase Your Intelligence? Science Says Yes - Shortform Books<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Contrary to what many people think, your IQ isn\u2019t predetermined. You can increase your intelligence with some know-how and the right tools.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.shortform.com\/blog\/can-you-increase-your-intelligence\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Can You Increase Your Intelligence? Science Says Yes\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Contrary to what many people think, your IQ isn\u2019t predetermined. 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