Recent research highlights how everyday physical activity can benefit cognitive health. A study by Hakun et al. (2024) examined the short-term effects of regular physical activity on mental processing speed and working memory. Using real-time assessments, the study provides new insights into how light and moderate physical activities can promote …
This post examines findings from Chris Dawson’s research on the connection between cognitive ability and optimism bias in financial decision-making. Using data from over 36,000 individuals in the U.K., the study highlights how cognitive ability influences unrealistic optimism, particularly in financial expectations versus actual outcomes. Background Optimism bias refers to …
Research into high intelligence provides valuable insights into human cognitive abilities and their impact on individual and societal progress. By exploring the historical development of intelligence studies, the challenges of measuring exceptional cognitive abilities, and recent advancements in neuroscience and psychometrics, this article highlights the ongoing importance of understanding high-IQ …
The Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) has been a central element of academic assessment in the United States for nearly a century. Initially designed to provide an equitable way to evaluate academic potential, its evolution reflects shifts in societal values, educational theories, and cognitive research. This post examines the SAT’s historical …
The Flynn effect, which refers to the steady rise in intelligence test scores observed over decades, has been a subject of significant interest in psychological research. While this phenomenon has been extensively documented in European populations, fewer studies have explored its presence or reversal in the United States, especially among …
This review focuses on the work of Keuschnigg, van de Rijt, and Bol (2023), who explore the relationship between cognitive ability and success in high-income and high-prestige occupations. Their findings challenge the assumption that the highest earners consistently display exceptional cognitive ability, offering new insights into how social factors and …
Burgoyne, Harris, and Hambrick’s (2019) study examines how individual differences, including cognitive ability, music aptitude, and mindset, influence the acquisition of piano skills among beginners. By focusing on individuals with little to no prior experience, this research offers insights into the early stages of learning a musical instrument. Background The …
Research into cognitive testing often aims to clarify the underlying structures of intelligence. This study analyzed data from the Jouve Cerebrals Test of Induction (JCTI) and the General Ability Measure for Adults (GAMA) to identify two distinct factors influencing reasoning abilities: spatial-temporal reasoning and abstract reasoning. Using data from 118 …
This study examines how cognitive abilities vary between literary and scientific contexts. By analyzing assessment data from 60 participants using JCCES and ACT tools, the research identifies distinct patterns that suggest the need for tailored educational approaches. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding how domain-specific tasks engage different cognitive …
The stereotype that blonde women are less intelligent than those with other hair colors has been pervasive in popular culture. Jay Zagorsky’s article, “Are Blondes Really Dumb?” (2016), investigates this claim using empirical data, offering a thorough analysis that challenges this long-held assumption. Background Zagorsky’s research utilizes data from the …
