The result from an intelligence test is the intelligence quotient or I.Q. In general, the higher ones I.Q. is, the more intelligent they are. A person who has an I.Q. of 100 is of average intelligence.

We owe much of our knowledge of IQ test to the French psychologist Alfred Binet, for it was he who designed the first standardized intelligence test.

Ever since Binet's day it has been a commonly held belief that our IQ remains the same throughout our lives. However, the hard science tended to contradict this common-sense idea. Although a small degree of intelligence does come from inheritance, a much larger proportion is formed through our environment and our own experiences.

So, if IQ isn’t fixed, it must follow that we can do something to make ourselves more (or less) intelligent. Recently, Graeme Halford, Emeritus Professor of Psychology at the University of Queensland, proposed that what is termed 'fluid intelligence' (how we adapt to solve novel problems) and working-memory place demands on the brain’s processing capacity. In ways similar to a computer, when we are trying to 'multi-task'; holding one thing in our memory while attempting to figure out something new, the different tasks each compete for 'brain power'.

Graaeme Halford’s theory inspired researchers to propose that increasing working-memory capacity could free up brain power to dedicate to solving problems. The research was completed in 2008 and the results were published in April. And, what were the results?
The were fairly conclusive. It seems to be, from work both inside and outside the laboratory, that 'training the memory' can, unquestionably, give the whole brain a boost. So, with the New Year upon us it's time to work on your resolution – train your memory and the brain will follow.

Links
School of Psychology [University of Queensland]
I.Q. Test Information [MENSA]
Mensa Workout - fun quiz [MENSA]