Interesting Questions

Articles addressing common questions about the nature and development of cognitive abilities. Topics include gender differences, social versus genetic factors, memory, and the relationship between intelligence and self-esteem.

Aptitude vs. Intelligence

Aptitude and intelligence are related but different—here's how they compare and why it matters for your potential.

Are You Born Intelligent or Does It Develop Socially?

Your genes set the baseline for intelligence, but your social environment determines whether you'll actually reach your potential.

Do Intelligent People Have More Unusual Ideas?

Research shows intelligent people are more likely to hold unusual beliefs that go against what society traditionally expects.

Does IQ Help ADHD?

Having ADHD doesn't determine your IQ, but intelligence can help you compensate for attention challenges.

Self Esteem and Intelligence

Believing in yourself can actually make you smarter, according to research on how self-esteem influences intelligence.

Smarter Kids from Active Mums?

Exercise during pregnancy may boost your baby's memory, alertness and coordination, according to new research.

Using Computers for Intelligence

How computers let you tap into the knowledge of millions of people to solve problems better than you could alone.

What Are Mnemonic Devices?

Mnemonic devices are memory tricks that link new information to familiar patterns so your brain can remember it better.

What Is Memory Bias?

Memory biases are mental shortcuts that distort how you remember things, from what you forget to how you interpret the past.

What Is Social Intelligence?

Social intelligence is the ability to understand and connect with others, recognised as a distinct form of intelligence separate from IQ.

Who Are Smarter: Men or Women?

Research suggests men may have cognitive advantages, but scientists still can't agree on whether gender actually affects intelligence.

Why Are Humans More Intelligent Than Animals?

Human brains excel at language and abstract thought, but the line between human and animal intelligence is blurrier than we think.