Specifications
Brain training software
Problem Solving IQ Training
Targeted training using brain teasers and supplementary practice materials for:
- Problem solving intelligence
The problems have been scientifically chosen to target your fluid intelligence (also known as Gf) which is your problem solving intelligence factor.
Dual N-Back
In addition the software trains working / short term memory (Gsm) with dual-n-back training.
- Our program implements the original Jaeggi et al (2008) dual n-back training exercise.
- This is the only n-back version with scientifically demonstrated working memory and IQ gains.
- In addition to the standard Jaeggi exercise there is a more challenging n-back exercise, preventing ‘chunking’ strategies which can occur with the original version.
- Unlimited dual n-back training.
Unique N-Back Options
Additional n-back training options, unique to HighIQPro®:
- Audio, Visual (practice) and Dual (audio plus visual) modes.
- Choice of different speed settings. The faster time setting halves training time.
- 20 block, 10/10, and 10 block modes – allowing your training program to match your schedule.
- Audio error feedback option. Error feedback improves learning.
- English, German, Italian and Spanish language options.
- Letters and numbers options for dual n-back audio mode.
- Different language versions for the task: English, German, Spanish, Italian.
- Multiple Profiles – with different opion settings – stored simultaneously.
Free valid IQ tests
Almost all on-line IQ tests lack scientific validity. On purchasing the software we provide links to two valid, scientifically based IQ tests that will give you a true measure of your IQ. You can use these tests for pre- and post-training measures of your cognitive performance.
Customer satisfaction
We have sold many hundreds of copies of our software and have virtually 100% customer satisfaction. Our software is tried and tested, with a money-back guarantee.
Money back guarantee
- 10-2o point IQ gain on valid problem-solving IQ tests
- >40% gain in short term (working) memory, measured on a valid test
For more information on the terms of this guarantee, click here.
Online members forums & brain training digest feed
In addition our company provides the following long term services:
- Online, members only, community forum for problem solving and IQ related topics and training.
- Automatic RSS feeds for brain training and related scientific research in digest format.
- Updated puzzles, IQ problems and problem solving skills exercies on our website for ongoing training.
- Twitter feeds on related content.
Support
- Prompt software and brain-training related support.
Platform
- State of the art Adobe AIR interface, compatible with all operating systems – including Windows, Mac & Linux.
System requirements
The HighIQPro® software application runs on Adobe AIR and has the following system requirements.
WINDOWS
- Intel® Pentium® III 1GHz or faster processor, 512MB of RAM
- Recommended: Pentium 4 2GHZ or faster, 1GB RAM
- Windows 7, Windows Vista® Home Premium, Business, Ultimate, or Enterprise including 64 bit editions, Windows Vista SP1, Windows XP Tablet PC Edition SP2 and SP3, Windows XP SP2 and SP3, Windows 2000 SP4, Windows 2003 Server
MAC OS X
- Intel Core™ Duo 1.83 GHz or faster processor; PowerPC® G4 1GHz or faster processor
- Mac OS X 10.4.11 or Mac OS X 10.5.4, 10.5.5, and 10.6
- 512MB of RAM
LINUX
- Intel® Pentium® III 1GHz or faster processor, 512MB of RAM
- Recommended: Pentium 4 2GHZ or faster, 1GB RAM
- Fedora 8 and later, Ubuntu 7.10 and later, OpenSuse 10.3 and later
- xterm should be present on the system
Age range
Suitable for 15 years of age and older. This IQ software can be used by adults of all ages.
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Screenshots
FAQs
What effects will I see as a result of the training?
HighIQPro® combines short term/working memory dual n-back training as well as specific training for problem solving IQ. Training results in widespread cognitive benefits. These include significant and measurable increases in:
- problem solving ability and fluid intelligence (measured on standardized IQ tests)
- short term memory (also known as working memory)
- will-power and self-control
- attentional focus – and the ability to ignore distractions
In addition, users have noted
- more creative insight in problem solving
- improved mood – there is evidence that this training improves overall positivity
I wanted to improve my problem solving skills and strategies. I tried HighIQPro since it had a strong scientific basis, and after 20 days of training I got an18 point IQ score increase. My problem solving ability had improved substantially: I was analysing situations better and more than anything felt like two things got much better: my logical reasoning, and my ability to consider different sides of a problem. I used the software 2 months ago, and have found that the benefits have been long-term.
James Coulson, California
How can it help me?
Problem solving lies at the heart of our general intelligence:
We shall use the term `intelligence’ to mean the ability of an organism to solve new problems …
W. V. Bingham (psychologist)
Problem solving skills can be applied to anything from fixing a bike, to assembling a new DVD system, to finding needed information efficiently, to figuring out a savings plan, to solving analytic problems at college or work – and any challenging situation that requires you to adapt and change.
HighIQPro® brain training, as well as the supporting members’ Forums, is dedicated to improving our problem solving abilities – both skills and strategies – as well as improving overall brain power.
Are the cognitive gains permanent?
The science shows that the training results in permanent neuroplasticity changes [journal article link], and long-term IQ gains [WSJ link]. Here is one customer’s experience with our software:
The best part about the training is that it’s permanent. After the 20 sessions you see above I did no training for a full 8 months to see if I’d forget the skill and have to start over. The results were an astounding OPPOSITE of what I expected, as if my brain had further optimized itself during the 8 months off.
Can I continue training past the 20 days program?
Yes – training with our software can be unlimited. Scientists have looked at the effects of 20 days of training, but not beyond this, and greater cognitive gains are entirely possible. There are additional settings – different speeds, and numbers instead of letters, to keep the training interesting and motivating.
What makes our training software better than others on the market?
All our software makes use of the only dual n-back software that has been developed by a cognitive neuroscientist led team and that replicates the single proven Jaeggi training method that increases short term memory and IQ [paper here].
In addition, the problems / brainteasers that are integrated into the HighIQPro® training program have been carefully designed by psychologists and have a scientific basis. They exercise what is called fluid intelligence - your problem solving intelligence.
Because HighIQPro® is scientifically designed, we can be confident in offering our IQ and memory increase money-back guarantee. We are the only company that offers a guarantee for increasing brain power.
The multiple language settings, multi-speed settings, letters vs numbers mode and error feedback are also unique, and significantly optimize training.
There are numerous additional services that are provided in addition to the software. See Specifications.
How does HighIQPro® differ from BrainPower® and i3Mindware®?
BrainPower® is the basic working/short term memory ‘n-back’ training, without IQ problems or brain-teasers.
HighIQPro® uses this same n-back training application, but in addition it provides a large number of brain teasers and problems that exercise and develop your problem solving abilities. It gives you practice on an important type of IQ problem. (All these puzzles are add-on options in the training program.)
i3Mindware® has the same n-back exercise as in the other two products, and the same problem solving brain teasers used in HighIQPro®, but additional training brain teasers for all 5 factors of IQ. This is a more time intensive training program.
Can I increase my problem solving IQ in less than 20 days?
We have found that you can gain substantially in IQ from 12 days of training up to 20 days. Some individuals have a faster learning curve, and have experienced dramatic gains in as few as 5 training sessions.
Prior to starting training I scored 135 on a validated IQ test. Within 5 sessions of dual n-back training on HighIQPro my average had increased to 5.0. I decided that- given that I had reached a level that people tend to reach after the 19 sessions- I would have a go at the JCTI test. I scored 146 on the JCTI, which I’m quite happy with.
Gordy, software developer
What do I do in the training program?
It is a streaming short-term memory task, involving keeping track of audio and visual information simultaneously. Designing this n-back task as an effective brain training method took more than a decade of research in cognitive science.
Working memory is short term memory for holding in mind items of information to perform a task while ignoring distractions. It is the memory system used in reasoning and problem solving – the core of your IQ. It is also the system involved in prioritizing goals, self-control and will power. In the training you are exercising your working memory in a task called the ‘dual n-back’. It is an exercise that continually adapts to your level of practice, with quantitative, graphical feedback on your performance which helps with motivation.
In addition to the dual n-back training, after each daily session there are stimulating brain teasers that build your problem solving skills.
Is the brain training difficult? Is it fun?
HighIQPro® cannot be too difficult or too easy, regardless of your starting ability. The program continually adjusts to match your current ability level based on the feedback it gets on your performance. This ensures that the task always remains challenging and motivating. Some people think it is fun and even addictive. Others find it difficult, but rewarding. This training software results in real gains in intelligence, and results in real changes in your brain; like physical exercise, it involves a commitment, but like physical exercise, it can be a buzz – particularly if you are training with others.
The brain teasers are designed to be motivating and stimulating as well as instructive.
Can I take breaks in my training program?
You can take 2 days break for every week’s training, but we do not suggest having larger breaks to get the full training benefits. It doesn’t matter how these two days are spaced out.
Is this training software useful for university entrance exams?
This training is highly recommended for senior high school students who are preparing for college / university entrance exams. University entrance exams – such as the SATs or GREs – are in large part IQ tests. This training is good for any exam requiring analytic problem solving skills.
Can HighIQPro® help with memory decline & cognitive aging – or Alzheimers?
There is evidence that the n-back training method does help with cognitive aging, and even dementias such as Alzheimers. It is strongly recommended for those who feel that their short term memory is getting worse or are concerned that their cognitive functioning is less effective than it has been.
If English is not my native language, can I use this software?
The training exercise has a visual and an audio component. Language is not needed for the visual component. For the audio, there are English, Italian, German and Spanish language options. There is no language comprehension required.
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Reviews & Press
Scientists endorsements of the Jaeggi dual n-back training method
Increasing intelligence is possible after all …with more training leading to greater gains …across the spectrum of abilities. …Almost 40 years ago, Jensen claimed that, when all is said and done, there is not much one can do to raise people’s IQs. Jaeggi and her colleagues have made an important contribution… by showing that intelligence is trainable to a significant and meaningful degree.
Robert Sternberg, Professor of Cognitive Psychology, Indiana University
I know, there is a huge market of software concerning brain training, IQ-training, and so on. But there is no real scientific evidence that these programs actually work, that is, that they actually boost intelligence or train something else than the task itself, at least in young adults. The … fact that we reliably showed transfer effects after training, and moreover, that we showed transfer to such an important function as fluid intelligence is a very new and exciting finding in our field.
Dr Susanne Jaeggi, University of Michigan
It it is possible that these exercises aid with nerve cell growth or nerve cell function in some way or alter neurological function in some way… The results are exciting and have implications for a wide variety of fields including alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Dr. Raj Persaud, Consultant Psychiatrist & Gresham Professor for Public Understanding of Psychiatry
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Scientific Press
Simple Brain Exercise Can Boost IQ
Can mental training improve your intelligence? No video game or mental puzzle has convincingly been shown to work. But now a group of neuropsychologists claims it has found a task that can add points to a person’s IQ – and the harder you train, they say, the more you gain.
New Scientist, 28th April, 2008
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Smarten Up. Practicing a Challenging Memory Task Spurs a Surprising Intelligence Gain
If you’re looking for an intellectual picker-upper that doesn’t come in a pill, remember this: A relatively brief memory-training program jump-starts general reasoning skills and problem-solving proficiency, according to a new study.
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Training Can Increase Fluid Intelligence, Once Thought To Be Fixed At Birth
Can human beings rev up their intelligence quotients, or are they stuck with IQs set by their genes at birth? Until recently, nature seemed to be the clear winner over nurture. …But new research, led by Swiss postdoctoral fellows Susanne M. Jaeggi and Martin Buschkuehl, working at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, suggests that at least one aspect of a person’s IQ can be improved by training a certain type of memory.
Medical News Today, 7th June, 2008
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Plastic Brain Outsmarts Experts
Crystallized intelligence draws on existing skills, knowledge and experiences to solve problems … Fluid intelligence draws on the ability to understand relationships between various concepts, independent of any previous knowledge or skills, to solve new problems. The research shows that this part of intelligence can be improved through memory training. …General intelligence is a key to determining life outcomes such as academic success, job performance and occupational advancement … Researchers also surmise that this same type of memory training may help children with developmental problems and older adults who face memory decline.
National Science Foundation, June 2008
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Customers’ testimonials
I wanted to improve my problem solving skills and strategies. I tried HighIQPro since it had a strong scientific basis, and after 20 days of training I got an18 point fluid intelligence score increase. My problem solving ability had improved substantially: I was analysing situations better and more than anything felt like two things got much better: my logical reasoning, and my ability to consider different sides of a problem. I used the software 2 months ago, and have found that the benefits have been long-term. I strongly recommend the software for anyone prepared to put in the 20 minutes per day for 20 days.
James Coulson
California, USA
Software developer
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I’m interested in knowing how my problem solving and my memory power can improve. The claim in the website was that my working memory performance and IQ would increase by 40% and as much as 20 IQ points. I got more than a 50% improvement in my memory and a 18 point fluid problem solving problem increase. After training with HighIQPro I noticed a lot of benefits – better focus and more mental efficiency, and better analytic problem solving.
Charles Cooper, 34
Columbus, GA
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What has impressed me most about HighIQPro is the improvements in practical life, like my ability to handle more memory intensive tasks and find creative solutions to problems. The rapid responses to the questions I’ve had during training have been great, and I love the Feedburner feed. It keeps me motivated over the long term.
Ella Holden, 23
ST HUBERTS ISLAND NSW
Digital Image Processer
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I wanted to perform better at work, and after 20 days of HighIQPro training, I had progressed rapidly. My thinking was much clearer and I was able to solve problems and come up with creative solutions much more effectively.
Naroa Merino
Lahiguera
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The software design is slick and the functionality is great, and – best of all – the puzzles are enjoyable.
Jerome E. Bliss, 32
Ontario, Canada
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I couldn’t be more enthusiastic about this brain training product. The IQMindware team are highly professional in responding to queries, and the training delivers on all its guarantees.
Mick Ruiz
Sacramento, CA
Image designer
Scientific Basis
Working memory training: the only effective brain training in 40 years of research
It is only due to recent insights from cognitive psychology about the functioning of working memory – a short term memory system that lies at the core of many cognitive tasks – that scientists have now developed an effective brain training exercise for cognitive enhancement – including gains in IQ, problem solving ability and ‘brain power’ – i.e. how efficient information processing is.
Relationships between working memory and different cognitive functions and brain regions according to brainSCANr are shown below.
Brain training that specifically targets working memory capacity and function can tranfser across many cognitive functions – and general intelligence and cognitive performance – because of these connections. One important effect is on problem solving intelligence called ‘fluid intelligence’ (Gf) which is explained below.
A review from this year (Does working memory training work? The promise and challenges of enhancing cognition by training working memory. Psychon Bull Rev 2011) concludes:
core working memory training studies seem to produce far-reaching transfer effects, likely because they target domain-general mechanisms of working memory. The results of individual studies encourage optimism regarding the value of working memory training as a tool for general cognitive enhancement.
What is working memory?
The amount of information most people can hold in short term memory (numbers, food items, directions) is limited to around 7 items plus or minus 2. This short term memory capacity or ‘memory span’ has been called the ‘magical number seven’ in one of the most famous papers in cognitive psychology, by George Miller at Princeton University.
But more important than just remembering information by rote is being able to do mental operations on that information – to solve a problem, to figure something out, or reason through something to find an answer. For instance, imagining the changing locations of chess pieces in a game of chess, or figuring out a 15% tip.
The ability to hold information in mind for brief periods, and do mental operations on it while screening out distracting information is called working memory. With working memory you do mental work on the information, not just store it.
The average capacity of working memory is much less than 7. Most people have a working memory capacity of about 2 or 3. Our brain training software increases this capacity to 5-6.
How to train working memory effectively: The dual n-back
Technically speaking, effective brain training of working memory has to be designed to:
- limit the use of domain-specific strategies
- minimize automization
- include tasks/stimuli that span multiple modalities
- require maintenance in the face of interference
- enforce rapid working memory encoding and retrieval demands
- adapt to participants’ varying level of proficiency
- demand high cognitive workloads or high intensity cognitive engagement
- involve sequential processing and frequent memory updating
These criteria have been implemented in the classic dual n-back working memory task, a task that is now widely used by cognitive neuropsychologists in laboratory settings. This task also forms the back-bone of our IQ Mindware™ brain training products. There are some commercial versions of this exercises, but most do not implement it accurately.
What happens in the dual n-back task?
In the dual n-back task a person must hold a series of information items in memory in two modalities – visual and audio – and look for matches of the same stimulus over time. In the example of a ’2-back’ task below, stimuli are refreshed ever 3 seconds both in the position of the blue square and the letter that is heard (whether a ‘C’, ‘P’, ‘T’ or ‘G’). In this example, the correct responses in the audio modality would be on the 3rd and 5th stimulus presentations (or ‘trials’), as is indicated by the arrows. For the visual modality, the correct responses would be on the 3rd and 6th stimulus presentations.
If a person reaches a high level of accuracy on a 2-back, the n-back level increases to a 3-back, and so on. In this way the difficulty level of the task “adapts to participants’ varying level of proficiency”. The n-back level is a measure of working memory capacity, and the bigger it is, the greater the gains in overall cognitive performance.
Typically, HighIQPro training increases a person’s n-back level from a 2-back to a 5-6 back working memory capacity.
What effects does dual n-back training have on problem solving (fluid) intelligence?
In 2008 cognitive psychologists led by Dr Jaeggi at the University of Bern in Switzerland and the University of Michigan in the States demonstrated that by training with the dual n-back you can increase working memory capacity by over 65% over just 19 days of training, 20 minutes per day. This improvement then results in a remarkable 40% plus gain in fluid intelligence as measured by a version of the time limited Raven’s Advanced Progressive Matrices IQ test – one of the most valid and highly regarded IQ tests for culture fair intelligence. This is called a transfer effect.
The dual n-back training study – using exactly the same exercise as we supply in our IQMindware™ software products. Here is a graph of the fluid intelligence gains as a function of number of daily training sessions.
The pdf of this ground-breaking study can be downloaded here:
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Fluid intelligence (Gf) defined
Fluid intelligence (Gf) refers to the ability to reason and to solve new problems independently of previously acquired knowledge.
Dr Jaeggi and colleagues, 2008
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Fluid intelligence is a core component of general intelligence. Fluid intelligence tests such as Raven’s Advanced Progressive Matrices are often used instead of full factor IQ tests (including other factors of IQ such as verbal intelligence/vocabulary, etc) to get a valid measure of someone’s IQ.
The working memory - Gf link explained
People vary widely in their working memory capacity, and that these differences in fact predict differences in general intelligence level as measured by standardized IQ tests such as the WAIS-IV. Intelligence – and especially fluid intelligence – depends on working memory capacity because:
- With more working memory capacity, more abstract relations and connections can be made with more information when thinking.
- With more working memory capacity, more options can be considered and evaluated in trying to solve a problem or reach a decision – without ‘losing track’.
Training working memory transfers to Gf
Jaeggi and colleagues demonstrated that dual n-back working memory training transfers strongly to fluid (problem solving) intelligence gains. Professor Robert Sternberg. the world’s leading authority on intelligence, has said of the Jaeggi n-back training exercise:
Almost 40 years ago, Jensen claimed that, when all is said and done, there is not much one can do to raise people’s IQs. Jaeggi and her colleagues have made an important contribution… by showing that intelligence is trainable to a significant and meaningful degree.
More detailed information here
Brain circuitry of working memory and Gf
Working memory and fluid intelligence both share the same brain circuitry – part of the frontal cortex of the brain called the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. (‘Dorsal’ means up, and ‘lateral’ means to the side – hence ‘dorsolateral’).
In 2009, McNab and colleagues published research showing that training of working memory and improving working memory capacity, results in neuroplasticity changes in the prefrontal brain circuitry, increasing connection strengths between brain cells.
Fluid intelligence (Gf) IQ problems and brain teasers
In addition to the dual n-back training, HighIQPro® integrates fluid intelligence brain teasers and puzzles that are standard in IQ and aptitude tests of problem solving intelligence. An example of one of these tests is Raven’s Advanced Progressive Matrices (RAPM) test. Here is an example of a RAPM problem – the type you will get practice on with our software.
HighIQPro® scientific references
Problem Solving Training
Fluid intelligence (Gf)
Problem solving intelligence is called ‘fluid intelligence’ or ‘Gf’. Our fluid intelligence (Gf) is our reasoning, problem solving and learning ability in new situations. For an explanation of all the factors underlying IQ click here.
Definition of Fluid Intelligence (Gf)
Fluid intelligence (Gf) refers to the ability to reason and to solve new problems independently of previously acquired knowledge. …it allows us to adapt our thinking to a new cognitive problem or situation. Gf is critical for a wide variety of cognitive tasks, and it is considered one of the most important factors in learning.
Dr Susan Jaeggi et al. (2008)
Fluid intelligence is used for:
- problem solving
- making inferences
- deductive and inductive reasoning
- concept formation and classification
- generating and testing hypotheses
- seeing relations and patterns
Tests of Fluid Intelligence
Deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning (Matrices tests, such as Ravens Advance Progressive Matrices), quantitative reasoning, and speed of reasoning.
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Fluid Intelligence (Gf) Training
Mid-range training
International High IQ Society’s Gigi Test. Take the test.
Visual Patterns Fluid Intelligence Test. 15 brainteasers. 20 minute time limit. Scoring – Free. Take the test.
Queendom’s Culture Fair IQ Test. Normed. Scoring – Free. Take the test.
Expand Your Mind training exercises. Do the exercises.
High-range training
Tractatus Logicus 37. By Christoffer Collin. 37 questions. 2 weeks may be required. Normed. Scoring – Free. Take the test.
M/Face-S – Spatial Reasoning Test. By Marin Filinić and Paul Laurent Miranda. 20 problems. Take the test.
For additional training materials, visit our forums by clicking here.
Download Now
Order your instant HighIQPro® download here
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Single User License: $39.99
Pay by PayPal or Credit Card here
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Train with friends or family.
Multi User License (Up to 3 Separate PCs/Laptops): $49.99
Pay by PayPal or Credit Card here
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For terms and conditions click here
For system requirements click here
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