Too Much Crystallized Thinking Lowers Fluid Intelligence
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In a digital age—that puts a premium on facts, figures, and data—crystallized intelligence has become disproportionately valued over fluid intelligence. A wide range of new studies are finding that motor skills, hand-eye coordination, aerobic conditioning and daily physicality are important for maintaining working memory and fluid intelligence.
Fluid intelligence is the capacity to think logically and solve problems in novel situations, independent of acquired knowledge. Fluid intelligence involves the ability to identify patterns and relationships that underpin novel problems and to extrapolate these findings using logic.
On the other hand, crystallized intelligence is the ability to utilize information, skills, knowledge, and experience in a way that could be measured on a standardized test. Crystallized intelligence represents your lifetime of cerebral knowledge, as reflected through your vocabulary, general explicit knowledge and Trivial Pursuit types of declarative memory of people, places, things…
Although there is some controversy and debate on the best ways to improve fluid intelligence, studies are showing a strong link between non-academic pursuits and improved fluid intelligence. I have written a wide range of Psychology Today blog posts about improvingcognitive function through: physical activity, playing a musical instrument, making art, improving motor skills,meditation, daydreaming, getting a good night’s sleep… The ultimate goal of The Athlete’s Way is to identify daily habits that optimize the function of the brain, body, and mind throughout a person’s lifespan.
Tags: Fluid Intelligence
