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Black-white IQ gap has narrowed

Researchers found that the cognitive ability gap between blacks and whites has decreased significantly since 1972, with blacks making notable gains in cognitive tests. The study's findings suggest a possible correlation between social equality progress and IQ gains, potentially indicating further improvements.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 12, 2006

Apes -- not monkeys -- ace IQ tests

Researchers found great apes outperforming monkeys and lemurs in problem-solving tests across multiple paradigms. This suggests a broad, domain-general type of intelligence that allows them to succeed in various situations, contradicting the theory of specialized skills.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalEvolutionary Psychology·DateAug 1, 2006

Girls have big advantage over boys on timed tests

Research by Vanderbilt University's Stephen Camarata and Richard Woodcock found females have a significant advantage over males on timed tests and tasks, especially among pre-teens and teens. The study highlights the need for teachers to understand sex differences in processing speed and teaching strategies.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalIntelligence·DateApr 25, 2006

First solid evidence that the study of music promotes intellectual development

A study published in Psychological Science found that extra-curricular music lessons significantly improved IQ scores and academic performance in six-year-old children. The research, led by Dr. E. Glenn Schellenberg, showed that music lessons had a more pronounced effect on cognitive development than drama lessons or no lessons at all.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 19, 2004

Timing of IQ test can be a life or death matter

A recent study found that IQ tests taken at different times can result in vastly different diagnoses, with potential consequences for life or death sentences. The 'Flynn effect' causes IQ scores to rise over time, making it essential to reset the test every 15-20 years.

SourceCornell University·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateDec 3, 2003

Boost your brain power

A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that creatine supplementation improves working memory and intelligence in both vegetarians and omnivores. The study suggests a significant boost to brain function similar to effects shown previously in muscle and heart.

SourceRoyal Society·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society of London·DateAug 13, 2003

Genetics, genes and intelligence

A genetic study found a new gene variant associated with general intelligence, located within the cathepsin D (CTSD) gene. The study, which followed 767 healthy adults over 15 years, discovered that a specific functional transition in exon 2 of CTSD increased cognitive decline.

SourceMolecular Psychiatry·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateFeb 13, 2003

Undersize infants score higher on IQ tests if breast fed exclusively

Under-sized infants who were exclusively breastfed for the first six months scored higher on IQ tests at five years of age compared to those with formula or solids introduced early. The study's findings also support the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding on cognitive development, without compromising growth.

New picture of intelligence highlights the overlooked role of visuospatial abilities

Visuospatial abilities and working memory are strongly correlated with executive function, a central cognitive command and control. This finding ties these skills to general intelligence, suggesting that traditional IQ tests may overlook important aspects of human cognition. The study aims to contribute to more fair and comprehensive t...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·DateDec 16, 2001

Formula additives boost small children's intelligence in study

A study funded by the NIH found that adding DHA and AA to infant formula boosted average intelligence scores in 18-month-old children. The study showed significant differences in mental development indexes between groups receiving different formula types, with the highest scores seen in those receiving formula with both DHA and AA.

High Blood Pressure Can Lead To Mental Decline

Researchers found that elevated blood pressure is a strong predictor of changes in brain structure and related cognitive functioning. All participants showed declines in mental abilities over time, with higher blood pressures associated with greater declines, particularly for visual-spatial ability and speed of performance.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalHealth Psychology·DateNov 10, 1998

New Intelligence Test Identifies Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Study Shows

A newly released intelligence test can help diagnose Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children by measuring their planning ability. The test, called the Cognitive Assessment System (CAS), showed that children with ADHD scored significantly lower than average on CAS in a measurement of planning ability.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Learning Disabilities·DateNov 25, 1997

Race And Class Intelligence Gaps Groups Narrowed

A new study published in American Psychologist found that racial differences in intelligence narrowed by about half between 1970 and 1988 and have remained constant since then. Socio-economic class differences also decreased gradually since 1932, with IQ scores converging between the upper and lower thirds.

SourceCornell University·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateNov 7, 1997