When I first approached the subject of intelligence improvement, I was paralysed by all the information on offer. There were so many things you could do to improve, so much to think about, and so much that was still not understood. As I explored the subject matter in greater detail I found myself drowning in even more information.

There were so many problem solving techniques, creative strategies, memory systems and even health advice that I didn't think I could ever realistically use it all. In an everyday situation how would I know which strategies to use and which ones to discard?

I began my search for the best strategy - or at least a select few. There must be a technique that encompasses all the others, I thought. Or one product that pulls everything together. A few select techniques would be something I could focus on and I wouldn't be confused about what to use where.

Despite evidence to the contrary, many intelligence theorists believe that intelligence and IQ cannot be improved. On the other side of the fence, there are many other intelligence experts that believe that it can. So with such disagreement among the experts, who are we to believe? In this article I have summarised the main arguments.

Nature vs. Nurture
Debates over the improvability of IQ usually come back to whether IQ and intelligence stems from genetics (nature) or from a person’s environment (nurture).

It is now widely accepted that intelligence is influenced by a combination of the two. What we do not know is what proportion comes from nature and what proportion from nurture. Estimates from experts say your genes effect your IQ from somewhere between 40 and 80% – not the most precise of estimates.

Let me tell you a story.

This is something that happened to me, and one of the stories that I draw upon for inspiration even now.

It happened when I was only ten years old. When I was still at junior school.

I’d been naughty. I can’t remember what I’d done now, but I do remember that a friend and I were dismissed from the junior classrooms and sent to the infant section. We were to spend the day with six year olds. We were to sit on tiny chairs, at tiny desks and we were to stay there all day.

It was supposed to be humiliating; it was supposed to be our punishment.

But it wasn’t a punishment.

This articles covers:

• What Does IQ mean? An Introduction
• What Does the IQ Score Mean?
• The History of IQ and Intelligence
• The Wechsler Tests
• Social Significance of the IQ Test
• What Does the IQ Test Measure? ‘g’ and Multiple Intelligences
• What Exactly is Measured in an IQ Test?
• The Future of Intelligence and IQ Tests

Before you actually look into the subject, questions like ‘what does IQ mean?’ and ‘what is intelligence?’ seem like they should have easy answers. You can look up the definition in the dictionary and you’ll probably get a satisfactory answer.

Giving yourself a challenge is a great way to get started with improving your intelligence (or improving yourself in any other way). When I started exploring this subject I didn't know where to begin, so I didn't do anything for a couple of years. I urge you not to fall into this trap and, instead, to get started straight away. Challenges are a great way to do that.

Challenges are great, because they are a test of how techniques work in the real world. They also show you where you have major weaknesses; giving you the opportunity to work on these first.

If you've never set a challenge for yourself before, you will probably find quite a few stumbling blocks. Some of these may be expected; others will be less obvious.

If there is anything that makes humans stand out among all the animals, it is our intelligence. Our intellect is unmatched by any other creature on this Earth. We are unique.

Our intelligence has allowed us to communicate in far more complex ways than any other creature can…

• We can talk and listen
• We can read and write

These four things have allowed us to communicate and share our knowledge with each other. And this sharing of knowledge has lead to such things as…

• The computer
• Skyscrapers
• The Internet

I've received many emails from people interested in improving their intelligence but unsure where to start. I understand. There's a lot of information out there and to tell you the truth I'm still overwhelmed myself.

Still I've put a lot of thought into this so I have a few ideas. The optimum strategy is nowhere near complete, but as each research paper provides more data, we get closer and closer to a good training guide.

There is also an individual element which comes into play when approaching intelligence training. We all start at different places -- with different brains. Our paths will, therefore, become wildely different.