Episode 81: Intelligence Part 2

Training Methods

Exploring cognitive training methods reveals intriguing insights into intelligence enhancement. James Fodor highlights a study where older adults played the strategy game "Rise of Nations," which led to improved performance on intelligence tests like Raven's Progressive Matrices 1. This suggests that engaging in complex, integrative tasks can enhance general reasoning and thinking abilities, not just specific skills.

Practicing intelligent behaviors can improve those behaviors, just as pretty much is the case for pretty much anything else.

--- James Fodor

Fodor emphasizes that while practicing specific tasks improves those tasks, certain cognitive exercises can also boost overall intelligence 2.

   

Training Challenges

The challenges in intelligence training often stem from misconceptions about test practice versus genuine intelligence improvement. James Fodor explains that while practicing a test can improve performance on that test, it doesn't necessarily translate to increased intelligence 3. This distinction is crucial, as intelligence tests aim to measure problem-solving and reasoning in novel situations, not learned skills.

The point is, can you actually increase the underlying problem solving and reasoning ability that the tests are supposed to measure?

--- James Fodor

Fodor notes that some studies, like those involving strategy games, show potential for broader cognitive enhancement, but many methods lack rigorous testing 1.