An IQ is one measure of cognitive ability. While there is no definitive measure of a human being's intelligence, the IQ test can give insight into the intellectual capabilities of subjects. Although the test is considered flawed by some, it is still widely used in the world of psychiatry, as well as academia. If you'd like to improve your test results,read on to learn how to improve your IQ test score.

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• An IQ test is believe to represent one's general cognitive ability. It is a standardized test that evaluates skills such as:

1. Spatial ability
2. Logical reasoning
3. General knowledge
4. Pattern recognition
5. Classification skills

• The most widely used IQ tests are the Stanford-Binet and the Wechsler series of tests. The scores are scaled, with 100 represented the average score.

• Before working on improving your score, you need a baseline IQ to measure improvement from.

1. A psychologist or educational consultant can administer the Stanford-Binet or Wechsler IQ test.
2. MENSA has a home assessment test you can order.
3. While online IQ tests may be fun, they do not accurately measure IQ, and shouldn't be used as a baseline.

• Now that you have your baseline, there are some things you can do before the next test to ensure you're in peak form:

1. MENSA recommends the book The IQ Answer, by Dr. Frank Lawlis. Some of Lawlis's suggestions include:
   1. Listening to music, especially drums.
   2. Using alternate nostril breathing to clear the mind.
   3. Eating foods like milk, whole grains, and chocolate to increase serotonin levels.
2. Although commercial video and mind games have generally not been shown to affect IQ scores, there is one form of mental training which has had measurable results. The n-back test has been shown to increase IQ scores in adults.

• Head Start and other early intervention programs have been shown to increase IQ by about 10 points in pre-schoolers