What is Fluid Intelligence?

How Working Memory Impacts IQ

While scientists have always argued that IQ is baked into our DNA at birth, new research finds that certain aspects of intelligence are influenced by working memory, a cognitive skill that can be exercised.

These findings suggest IQ is not fixed—it can improve if working memory improves.

Fluid intelligence is the ability to reason quickly and to think abstractly.

Working memory is the ability to hold and manipulate information to produce a result or reasoning processes. It is important in higher-order thinking, learning, and achievement. It is also important for cognitive flexibility and planning ability, as well as learning and the ability to self-monitor.

Three Parts of Working Memory

1/ The “phonological loop”- saying things in your head to hold them- serves an auditory processing and practicing function tied to the speech centers of the brain and language development.

2/ The “visuospatial sketchpad,” or a visual analysis and processing part that serves as an internal laboratory for visualizing problems and solutions. Einstein’s Theory of Relativity was largely developed in his head with complicated visualizations. This is another working memory and IQ link.

3/ The “central executive” controls these two parts to facilitate coordinated reasoning, comprehension, learning, and decision-making. Sometimes, it allows rote habits to direct us. At the same time, it works on other things, such as the link between working memory and IQ.

About 50% of the growth in fluid intelligence from age 7 to 19 is associated with working memory, mainly with processing speed development.

Working Memory and IQ

Processing speed, in part, determines how long it takes for information to be called up from long-term memory. Slowed processing means information in working memory deteriorates. At the same time, it waits for information from long-term memory to arrive.

Faster processing (recalling memorized information like your times tables, letters, and number recognition) means that working memory (and the skills that draw upon it, like reading and math) is more effective.

Improvements in processing speed support gains in working memory, which support developments in fluid intelligence.

Gemm Learning provides at-home cognitive training for working memory and associated skills. Research studies have validated the idea that improvements in working memory can influence IQ through our intervention, Fast ForWord.