Increasing Intelligence

The finding that working memory training can increase fluid intelligence triggered a great number of cognitive training studies, the results of which have been fiercely debated among experts. The finding also prompted a surge of commercial versions of these working memory training programs. Increasing Intelligence overviews contemporary approaches and techniques designed to increase general cognitive ability in healthy individuals. The book covers behavioral training and different electrical stimulation methods such as TMS, tDCS, tACS, and tRNS, along with alternative approaches ranging from neurofeedback to cognitive-enhancing drugs. It describes crucial brain features that underlie intelligent behavior and discusses theoretical and technical shortcomings of the reported studies, then goes on to suggest avenues for future research and inquiry.

• Summarizes the history of attempts to raise intelligence
• Describes the intelligence construct and the cognitive mechanisms thought to be at the core of intellectual functioning
• Provides an overview of the neurobiological underpinnings of intelligence
• Discusses the efficacy and limitations of behavioral training approaches and brain stimulation methods aiming to increase performance on working memory and intelligence tests
• Examines the effects of neurofeedback, exercise, meditation, nutrition, and drugs on cognitive enhancement

Researchers and students in neuroscience, psychology, cognitive sciences

Chapter 1: The Mystery of Intelligence

• Abstract
• 1.1. Intelligence—the most valued trait
• 1.2. Can we boost intelligence?
• 1.3. Educational interventions for higher cognitive competence

Chapter 2: The Biological Background of Intelligence

• Abstract
• 2.1. Brain structure
• 2.2. Neuroelectric measures of the brain at rest
• 2.3. Brain function and neurobiological theories of intelligence
• 2.4. Processing speed and working memory
• 2.5. Sex differences in intelligence, brain structure, and function

Chapter 3: Raising Intelligence by Means of Behavioral Training

• Abstract
• 3.1. The Mozart effect
• 3.2. Types of training: theory, memory, brain, and personal bias
• 3.3. Metaanalyses and review papers: improving fluid intelligence with training
• 3.4. The Jaeggi et al. study
• 3.5. COGITO
• 3.6. Research from our lab
• 3.7. Video games: with fun to more intelligent brains?

Chapter 4: Changing Brain Activity, Increasing Intelligence: Transcranial Electrical and Magnetic Stimulation

• Abstract
• 4.1. Transcranial electrical brain stimulation
• 4.2. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
• 4.3. tDCS and tACS as a tool to modulate intelligence
• 4.4. Noninvasive brain stimulation in working memory research

Chapter 5: Other Approaches: From Neurofeedback to Cognitive-Enhancing Drugs

• Abstract
• 5.1. Neurofeedback
• 5.2. Exercise
• 5.3. Meditation
• 5.4. Nutrition and cognitive-enhancing drugs

Chapter 6: Once Upon a Time We Were on the Moon

• Abstract
• 6.1. Why become more intelligent?