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The New IQ: Use Your Working Memory to Think Stronger, Smarter, Faster
IQ tests, which measure our ability to retain information, are out-dated. In the digital era, the new IQ is not about retaining knowledge, but managing it.
Working memory is the brain’s Post-It note. It allows us to make mental scribbles of what we need to remember and process. The bigger the ‘Post-It’ we have, the more proficient a multi-tasker we are. And in a modern world, where technology and busy lives place an increasing strain on our working memory’s capacity, its strength becomes an important predictor of our success.
But what determines the strength of our working memory? How does it change over the course of our lives and is there anything we can do to improve its capability? Through research, observations and anecdotes, ‘The New IQ’ explores these questions, dispelling the myths that surround modern intelligence and IQ and explaining how working memory differs across a spectrum of people, with varying aptitude, experiences, and expertise. It looks at athletes as well as chess players, memory champions and autistic savants, the young and the old, examining the impact of working memory on finances, relationships and work.
‘The New IQ’ provides an understanding of working memory as an evolving mechanism of the modern brain and shows us how to enhance it in order to improve our chances of success in all aspects of life.
Working memory is the brain’s Post-It note. It allows us to make mental scribbles of what we need to remember and process. The bigger the ‘Post-It’ we have, the more proficient a multi-tasker we are. And in a modern world, where technology and busy lives place an increasing strain on our working memory’s capacity, its strength becomes an important predictor of our success.
But what determines the strength of our working memory? How does it change over the course of our lives and is there anything we can do to improve its capability? Through research, observations and anecdotes, ‘The New IQ’ explores these questions, dispelling the myths that surround modern intelligence and IQ and explaining how working memory differs across a spectrum of people, with varying aptitude, experiences, and expertise. It looks at athletes as well as chess players, memory champions and autistic savants, the young and the old, examining the impact of working memory on finances, relationships and work.
‘The New IQ’ provides an understanding of working memory as an evolving mechanism of the modern brain and shows us how to enhance it in order to improve our chances of success in all aspects of life.
349 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2013
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142 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 23, 2016
There was some useful information in this book and I got the whole thing about working memory. However to me it felt like an overwritten paper that could have been condensed and written better with a different viewpoint. For a book on the subject I would have expected less of a research paper feel to it.
July 28, 2015
one inspiring book to read. this book discuss a lot about how to improve and manage brain's performance, practicing brain to always on it's best. shortly i just wanna say this book is quite awesome :)
July 19, 2014
This book was very helpful and useful. Definitely gives you things to think about.
June 28, 2015
The genuine evidence that exists in the book is unfortunately peppered with personal belief, doctrine and tenuous relationship and recipe advice. Frustrating.
July 16, 2025
Not very good.
Most if not all claims are unsubstantiated with irresponsible references to 'science / studies show...' and no explanation of research method, analysis, nor nuances. It feels like a mass-media style over generalisation of research outcomes without consider the limitations, which are often specifically discussed in the paper, of the research.
The definition of working memory is overly inclusive and inconsistent throughout -- when discussing its usefulness, it is everything that Prefrontal cortex does; but when discussing methods / exercises that can improve it, the exercise only improves very narrow and specific aspects of it.
Another problematic part is the artificial distinction it makes with the 'old IQ'. The idea of working memory described in the book aligns more to what is being tested in IQ tests.
plus one star for:
Very light read with some fun self assessment.
Most if not all claims are unsubstantiated with irresponsible references to 'science / studies show...' and no explanation of research method, analysis, nor nuances. It feels like a mass-media style over generalisation of research outcomes without consider the limitations, which are often specifically discussed in the paper, of the research.
The definition of working memory is overly inclusive and inconsistent throughout -- when discussing its usefulness, it is everything that Prefrontal cortex does; but when discussing methods / exercises that can improve it, the exercise only improves very narrow and specific aspects of it.
Another problematic part is the artificial distinction it makes with the 'old IQ'. The idea of working memory described in the book aligns more to what is being tested in IQ tests.
plus one star for:
Very light read with some fun self assessment.
February 29, 2024
This was a breezy read as a psychology student. I credit it for increasing my awareness of the significance of working memory in everyday life. I especially enjoyed reading about strategies to reduce cognitive load and to improve working memory both mentally and physically, and I appreciated the summary at the end.
I had to use my working memory to ignore the repeated mentions of Jungle Memory though. And part III of the book simply felt like filler material - e.g. I don’t care for the hypothetical Wutopia. I think this book would have been better if it was more focused on the practical than the theory, considering the target audience is self-help readers.
I had to use my working memory to ignore the repeated mentions of Jungle Memory though. And part III of the book simply felt like filler material - e.g. I don’t care for the hypothetical Wutopia. I think this book would have been better if it was more focused on the practical than the theory, considering the target audience is self-help readers.
April 23, 2021
I simply love this book! It helps me train my brain and cognitive abilities to think stronger, smarter and faster! I love the information I’m getting and practicing some of the exercises. Even shared it to friends worldwide. Thanks Tracy and Ross.. I need this kind of training to help me out with depression stages. Thank you for this awesome book! I wish I won’t easily forget but trying not to blame Aging on this one 😅 Thanks for this book really, it helps me and a lot of people 👍🏼👏🏻
August 22, 2024
I have always wondered how on earth people with average IQs could outperform those with better IQs in some areas. This book has offered me a unique perspective on intelligence that really makes sense.
The Prefrontal Cortex aka working memory, is the protagonist of this book. Ross and Tracy have done an excellent job of compiling cognitive tests and research findings on working memory.
This book also presents what kind of habits can affect your working memory in the short and long time; and how can you manage those challenges in your life.
While the book is insightful, I felt that it could have been written more effectively in some places. There were a few sections where I lost interest and had to push myself to finish it.
The Prefrontal Cortex aka working memory, is the protagonist of this book. Ross and Tracy have done an excellent job of compiling cognitive tests and research findings on working memory.
This book also presents what kind of habits can affect your working memory in the short and long time; and how can you manage those challenges in your life.
While the book is insightful, I felt that it could have been written more effectively in some places. There were a few sections where I lost interest and had to push myself to finish it.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews