IQ and IQ Levels

The topic of IQ and IQ levels has been up for debate for many years now. A method that had been originally devised to test the mental capability of those being inducted into the military as soldiers. It was used for both children and adults later on. As such, the authenticity and validity of the IQ testing method became doubtful. The question that plagued everyone’s mind was – ‘whether or not IQ test can determine the true IQ ranks of individuals being tested?’

Measuring the Intangible IQ Levels

What is intelligence? Intelligence is the brain’s ability to reason with things, situations and its ability to understand, comprehend and then derive solutions from the problem at hand. This kind of skill is intangible therefore it is hard to measure the IQ levels, let alone prescribe a number for it.

Furthermore, there are many different kinds of intelligence and not one. It is not a linear form of functionality. There is also the fluid intelligence and the many factors that can hinder the brain’s ability to project its real capability. Therefore, the argument that arose from the debate was that the IQ tests could only measure a limited range of the brain’s intelligence.

The thing that could be measured by the IQ test was the foundation of intelligence and the exact form of intelligence itself. For example, a child could be smart, but in the given circumstances he might not have had the opportunity to express himself best or to unleash the hidden talents. For such a kid, the IQ test would stand invalid to test the real intelligence.

Nonetheless, the different IQ tests, for example, the Stanford-Binet test and the Wechsler Intelligence Test for Children and adults, have been in use at various educational institutes during placement procedures and at many of the firms as part of the screening process for prospective job applicants. The results are compiled using the number of correct answers given on the IQ test, and then the IQ ratings of the individuals are determined using the IQ chart, graph or scale.

Different Levels of IQ

The statistical norm or the average IQ level as tested by these IQ tests and as prescribed by the leading psychologists who developed these tests is ‘100’. Those having lower IQ level or higher levels of IQ deviate on either side of this norm, creating a standard distribution curve on the IQ chart or graph. These gradients form the different levels of IQ under which each of the individuals, being tested, is placed. Some of the standards used for grading include,

Developmentally disabled or feeble-minded individuals – 70 or below
Borderline intelligence – 70 to 79
Dull Minds – 80 to 89
Average or Normal Intelligence –90 to 109
Superior Intelligence – 110 to 119
Very Superior Intelligence –120 to 140
Genius or Unusually Gifted – 140 and above

Can a Higher Level of IQ be attained?

Leading psychologists have suggested that it is possible for individuals to aim at higher IQ ratings than those for which they had been tested. It means that everyone has a chance to become even smarter than they already are and achieve high intelligence grading. It, however, involves dedication, focus, and hard work. The following changes in routine are advised to raise the IQ level eventually.

· Smart Drugs

Smart drugs or intelligence pills have recently gained a lot of popularity as far as raising the IQ levels is concerned. These drugs are said to have a positive effect on attention span, learning ability, memory, concentration, reasoning capability, problem-solving power and decision making skills, and for this reason, they are also known as ‘cognitive enhancers.' They increase the cerebral circulation and brain metabolism to enhance its overall performance. Some of the smart drugs include,

o Choline

o Ginko Biloba Extract

o Glucose

o Caffeine

· Conscious and Deep Thinking

To increase the IQ levels, your thinking should be conscious, insightful and focused. You shouldn’t just be reacting to the events and happenings; instead, you should have a well-thought-out objective to which your deliberate and calculated plans should follow.

· Practicing

You can work out your intelligence by practicing with sample IQ tests and mind churning games such as word puzzles, puzzles, and mazes. It is going to sharpen your brain’s problem-solving abilities and comprehension.

· Better Sleep and Exercise Regime

Your brain, just as your body, needs rest and the only time it rejuvenates is during sleep. Furthermore indulge in exercises that stimulates its functionality, like aerobics. The more influx of oxygen to the brain, the better its performance will be.