Rethinking Intelligence

Think you're smart based on your IQ test? Think again…

A new study conducted by author Akira Miyake, assistant professor of psychology at the University of Colorado, discovered that the ability to visualize when solving problems is probably more important than other standard measures of intelligence.

In testing the ability to problem solve as a benchmark of IQ, Miyake says: "The ability to visualize information and manipulate those images in your mind is at least as important as verbal skills."

He compares visual problem-solving skills to "executive multi-tasking.” It’s like having a mental sketch pad where information can be stored, retrieved and erased or elaborated upon as needed.

An important factor of the mental sketchpad is spatial intelligence, which is the ability to visualize, manipulate and mentally rotate objects.

Miyake measured the ability of 167 university undergraduates to problem-solve using a series of both computer-based and pencil-and-paper tests. Results showed that the students who excelled at solving complex visualization tasks also performed better at decision making.

Next time you have a problem, take out your mental sketchpad. Less solving and more seeing might bring a better solution, faster.