Teenage years can be formative for the development of intelligent quotient of a person. Latest research has confirmed that the brain undergoes changes in structure during adolescence that can cause an impact on the development of IQ. According to the research, an understanding of changes in the IQ can help teachers and school administrations formulate learning programs that will cause enhancement of IQ.This study presents a direct contrast from conventional beliefs about IQ. Scientists have long believed that the intelligent quotient of a person remains constant all through life. The study, which has been conducted by researchers from University College of London, changes this belief. The study was conducted on 33 adolescents aged between 12 and 16. The same adolescents were tested when they had aged four years to 15 and 20.
The IQ of the children was tested in both stages and differences were found. Testing of IQ was done by conducting tests and calculating IQ scores. It was noticed that while some adolescents registered an increase in their IQs, others had a decreased value. The variations were found to be significant in some and profound in others. Values changed by almost 20 points in some cases. Brain scan through MRI was also conducted to note the change in structure of the brain. It was noted that the changes in the brain correlated with change in IQ.

Lead author of the study, Price said that the grey matter of the brain was responsible for change in IQ. It was further found that areas of the brain that controlled speech was responsible for change in verbal IQ and the portion of the brain that was responsible for change in non-verbal IQ was that which controlled movement of fingers. Price said that longitudinal assessments were carried out on for the same individual to evaluate change in brain structure and IQ.

According to Sue Ramsden, the study was conclusive proof that the correlation between brain structure and change in IQ are real. It was also noted that increase or decrease of one kind of IQ is not indicative of an increase or decrease in the other type of IQ. The results of the study will help researchers probe deeper into the working of neural markers for both verbal and non verbal markers. The two types of IQ are interlinked with sensorimotor skills. The reasons for some adolescents exhibiting increase while the others registering a decrease can depend on number of factors such as education and pace of growth. The authors further said that the development and change in IQ happens all through life, even after the adolescent period is passed.