Books

Average customer rating:

Not a very realistic hypothesis and approach

How to Boost Your Intelligence
Harry Alder
Manufacturer: Kogan Page
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business Life | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Guides | Job Hunting & Careers | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Skills | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

General | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Customer Reviews:

Not a very realistic hypothesis and approach.......2001-01-20

Having read the book I found the autors concept that Intelligence is something that is "learnt" and not "inherrent/innate" incompatible with the traditional definition of intelligence. According to the autors hypothesis this means that a bushman in the African jungle must necessarily be of lower intelligence than a literate person of the new world. However the book certainly helps one to improve ones score on a typical IQ test (if this is a real measure of innate intelligence).

Sexual Intelligence: The Groundbreaking Study That Shows You How to Boost Your "Sex IQ" and Gain Greater Sexual Satisfaction

Average customer rating:

Dissatisfied . . .
You said sexual intelligence?
a correction
READ THE BOOK FOR ITS INFO - TURF THE QUIZ!
Helpful Suggestions Marred by Weak Methods and Bad Editing

Sexual Intelligence: The Groundbreaking Study That Shows You How to Boost Your "Sex IQ" and Gain Greater Sexual Satisfaction
Dr Sheree Conrad , and Dr Michael Milburn
Manufacturer: Crown
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Sex | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Kissing: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About One of Life's Sweetest Pleasures

ASIN: 0609606409
Release Date: 2001-06-19

Book Description

How sexually intelligent are you? This remarkable, groundbreaking book will help you find out.

Although 75 percent of Americans say that a satisfying sex life is important to them, only 25 percent claim to have achieved one. While most people might think that statement is shocking, it doesn't surprise Dr. Sheree Conrad and Dr. Michael Milburn. Both professors of psychology, Conrad and Milburn have discovered that more than thirty years after the so-called sexual revolution, many of us are as confused as ever about how to achieve sexual satisfaction and struggle with sexual dysfunctions that interfere with a happy, healthy sex life.

The sexual revolution of the 1960s and '70s didn't solve everyone's sexual problems, and our teenagers, raised on images of sex in the media from an early age, are not more sophisticated about sex than their parents. Instead, Americans of all ages suffer in silence, unwilling and unable to confront their deepest sexual insecurities and fears. But no one has to live this way — Conrad and Milburn have come up with a way to measure a profound new concept they call "sexual intelligence." Their research has shown that people who score high in sexual intelligence are more sexually satisfied and have fewer sexual dysfunctions. And the best part is, not only can you measure your own sexual intelligence, you can also identify your weakest areas and use the tools provided in the book to boost your "sex IQ."

Does this sound too good to be true? It's not.

The authors embarked on the Sexual Intelligence Research Project, a comprehensive, rigorous study that analyzed the sexual beliefs and behaviors of sexually "average" people. They administered their Sexual Intelligence Test to the research participants and were astonished by the results.

* A startling number of Americans suffer from chronic sexual dysfunctions, including lack of desire, inability to achieve orgasm, and impotence, that interfere with their sex lives.

* It's not just the middle-aged or couples married twenty years who have sexual problems. In fact, some of the highest rates of sexual dysfunction occur among young people.

* People of all ages, of both genders, consistently say that they do not have anyone to talk to about their sexual concerns and will not talk about sex problems with spouses and partners.

For the first time, Conrad and Milburn are sharing the Sexual Intelligence Test with readers, who can take it, get their scores, and find out what the results mean. Filled with moving, heartfelt stories from the men and women who participated in the study, Sexual Intelligence gives people the power to transform their lives by teaching them the crucial components of sexual intelligence and will revolutionize the way we think about sex today.

How sexually intelligent are you?

1. In your current relationship (or in your last long-term relationship), approximately how often do you (or did you) talk with your partner about your sex life?

a) Once a week.

b) Once a month.

c) Once every six months.

d) Never.

2. How would you rate your current sex life, compared to most other people's sex lives?

a) Not nearly as exciting as most people's.

b) About the same as most people's.

c) More exciting than most people's.

d) I'm not currently in a sexual relationship.

3. Have you ever kept a sexual secret from a partner over a long period of time?

a) No, never.

b) Once or twice.

c) Several times.

d) Frequently.

4. How do you feel about the content of the sexual fantasy you have most often or find most arousing?

a) I'd be horrified if anyone knew the content.

b) I'd be embarrassed if my partner knew the kind of fantasies I have.

c) I might be a little hesitant but also find it exciting to share the content with my sexual partner.

d) I talk to my closest friends about my fantasies.

Take the Sexual Intelligence Test and find out how you can boost your "sex IQ," gain greater sexual satisfaction, rid yourself of sexual problems, and have a healthier and happier sex life!

Customer Reviews:

Dissatisfied . . ........2003-11-04

Dr. Conrad and Dr. Milburn have teamed up to create a book that maps and defines sexual intelligence as they perceive it, creating a test to measure that intelligence. The chapters each deal with core issues that the test tackles; gender identity, sexual fantasies, communication, infidelity, and so forth. Combining snippets of accounts from real people within their studies with examples of healthy and unhealthy methods of dealing with each of these areas, the authors then wrap up each chapter with an excercise scenario and questions to consider.

This book sticks mostly to the emotional/relationship side of sex, and is not a particularly informative work for those looking for more information about sex or sexual issues. It's focus is working toward healthy, rather than unhealthy, relationships. So if readers are seeking a more basic guide to sex and sexual issues, this probably isn't the best text to start with. It will be much more helpful as a support text.

Having said this, I'm not certain I feel this book offers much in the way of material that hasn't been addressed many times before. The stigma of gender type, the sexual confusion caused by both religion and the media, the lack of parental education and support. Such issues have been covered before in greater depth and detail. This book touches on the issues, but really doesn't offer much in a practical way of how to solve the issues other than the excercises at the end of the chapter. In terms of healing from sexual abuse or other serious issues from childhood, there just isn't much more than an acknowledgement that these traumas exist and affect how people engage in sexual behavior.

Outside the real accounts by interviewees, I just didn't see much new information at all. Promoting healthy sexuality is a positive thing, but this book felt bland and fairly ineffective and bringing home any new points or providing any really inspiring insights. I'm afraid I found the test to be the least inspiring part of the document. So many questions had answers that didn't apply across a broad audience and made assumptions about the test taker. Questions such as:"In the past, when I've been tempted to cheat . . ." offer four choices a) "I agonized over cheating, knowing how my partner would feel. b) didn't really give any thought to how my partner would feel. c) I would never cheat on my partner because it would be a sin d) I thought about my parner but assumed he or she would accept it if they found out." Of course, 'A' is the "intelligent" answer according to the test. But the question leaves little room for personal ethics or moral code. Answer 'C' sounds like a fundamentalist answer and is considered "less intelligent" in terms of the test, it doesn't really address personal ethics.

I honestly wonder at the validity of the test and would hope that many readers are not taking their "grade" overly seriously. Sexual intelligence is fine, but I don't believe the test truly defines it. In the end, I'd have to say this is a fine reading addition to skim through for the chapter excercises and getting a general idea of sexual relationship issues and real accounts, but it shouldn't be depended on to define your sexual life.

You said sexual intelligence?.......2003-06-20

Finally, a book that studies sexuality seriously. Several topics are covered such as myths on sex, sex education and consequences related to sex... Like many reviewers have underlined it, everything is in our mind. The way we are related to sex is conditionned by our own view on sex which has been influenced by our parents, friends, media, religion and so on. Sexual education play a great part in our life. Problem is we don't know how to deal with it when it comes to educate our own children. Most won't. That is an important issue. Sexual intelligence is your capability to understand your sexual needs, desires and to adapt accordingly, with the consequences in mind. How to deal with infidelity, sexual dysfunctions, fantaisies? We have first to free ourselves from painful past sexual experiences then to act smartly when matters comes to sex : education, be communicative, accept your sexual desires, let them come and go and don't be a slave anymore of your desires. Sometimes fantaisies are just fantaisies. This book covers many interesting subjects and could be a good sex education book if summarized.

a correction.......2002-05-30

OK, I NOTICED THAT ONE REVIEWER SAID THUS:

The book has...(a)...quiz in an appendix...The scoring scheme tells you to add your scores, add another number (118) and then divide by 264. Doing that means that everyone fails the test, even if you put down all of the optimum answers. My guess is that you are supposed to divide by 2.64 or by 2.4, but I cannot tell.

ACTUALLY, YOU MISSED A VITAL POINT: IT SAYS TO ADD 100 AFTER THE DIVIDING BY 264.

Perhaps the proof reading will improve on the second printing of this book (if there is one)

PERHAPS IT WAS READER ERROR?

READ THE BOOK FOR ITS INFO - TURF THE QUIZ!.......2001-07-05

As a counsellor, I have provided counselling services in virtually every aspect of human behaviour, including sexual issues. While this book makes interesting reading, it should be noted that sex is an individual affair. Twice a week may be fulfilling for one couple while once a month may be equally as fulfilling for others. Some want more, others less. Then, there are those who know how to please their partner and go to great lengths to do so, and others who are only concerned with pleasing themselves - period! In that case, the problem has nothing to do with "sexual intelligence" but inconsiderate, self-centredness.

The book failed to point out some relatively important issues. The key in all aspects of a relationship, not just sexual issues, lies not in a quiz or comparison with others but in open communication between the two partners, regardless of what one's sexual lifestyle may be. It is not simply a matter of what takes place in the bedroom that achieves fulfillment, but a matter of what else is going on the rest of the time, outside the bedroom. If a man is constantly being hen-pecked, nagged and mistrusted, he is not likely to be too anxious to please in the bedroom. Likewise, if a woman is playing second fiddle to a golf course, receives no help around the home (particularly if she, too, works outside the home) or she is made to feel like like sex is her "civic duty," do not expect her to warm up when the lights go out either!

As for the quiz, if you take it at all, I would take it with grain of salt. If you score low, you may feel like a failure when in fact you are not - that definitely is not going to boost one's self-esteem in the bedroom, and you may have some very valid reasons for answering the way you did. Some sexual dysfunctions stem from deep-rooted insecurities and abusive past experiences; for those individuals, the best help comes through professional counselling, not in a book. One question in the book, "How would you rate your current sex life compared to most other people's sex lives" is ludicrous. If one is not satisfied with their own sex life, they should be discussing the issue with their partner, not conducting a field survey with their friends, family and neighbours! We are talking sex here, not your favourite brand of herbal tea. If one cannot communicate openly with their partner, the problem goes far deeper than sexual intelligence.

In summary, the book contains insightful and useful information which may prove beneficial to the reader; however, the quiz leaves a lot to be desired. The book contains helpful facts, dispels myths and like anything else in life, any knowledge gained is a plus. Sex, like money, is a personal affair. Readers will need to weigh the pros and cons and make their own personal assessments on the value of the book.

Helpful Suggestions Marred by Weak Methods and Bad Editing.......2001-06-26

Summary: This book aims to help you avoid self-sabotage in your sex life by being better educated about what works and what doesn't. Having a great sex life is all tied up with "what is going on in our minds." Change your beliefs and your sex life will improve as well. The book contains many helpful examples of problems that people have experienced, and has many useful exercises to help you rethink your own ideas. The book's survey methodology produces results that appear to be accurate, but do not reflect an appropriate sample. The book's sexual intelligence quiz seems to have a typo in it that makes accurate scoring of your overall answers impossible. That's okay, because the assumption behind the scoring is flawed as well. Read the book for the anecdotes and exercises and skip the rest.

Review: This book is based on questionnaires answered by about 500 people, most of whom were under 30. Although not based on a scientific sample, the book does provide some unexpected perspectives about young people. Half the women surveyed from 18-29 found sexual relations painful. A third of the men in the same age group had erectile dysfunctions. So there's room to improve. It also sounds like experience helps.

Overall, there's a problem with using questionnaires for anything as delicate as sexual relations. People do not tell it like it is. It's like asking people about their use of illegal drugs during doctor's visits. Few tell the whole story. The only way to get better results is to corroborate the story with a person's sex partners. So, undoubtedly there's a lot of under and over reporting in this, especially from young people.

The book has the same quiz in an appendix, which you can take. I think it would have been more appropriate to suggest that people take it before reading the book. The scoring scheme tells you to add your scores, add another number and then divide by 264. Doing that means that everyone fails the test, even if you put down all of the optimum answers. My guess is that you are supposed to divide by 2.64 or by 2.4, but I cannot tell. Perhaps the proof reading will improve on the second printing of this book (if there is one).

The other problem with the quiz is that the values appear to be fitted to the correlation of sexual satisfaction that went with the original respondents. I found that although I would rate my sexual satisfaction very high, my answers were often at odds with the scoring here. Is the purpose to think like others who have sexual satisfaction . . . or to experience sexual satisfaction? I suspect that the quiz would have worked better for readers if the book had suggested that people experiment with different approaches rather than simply score their answers. Indirectly, that's what the exercises at the end of each chapter are encouraging. I thought those exercises were very well done. They put you into a situation that you may find awkward where different behavior would be beneficial, and encourage you to think about what your response should be. By addressing these issues by yourself, you may feel more comfortable being open about them when they occur for real.

The book's main message is one that most will endorse. Find out more about sex, understand your own desires, listen and respond to the needs of your partner, share your needs, and avoid behavior that will have negative consquences (whether it is not being careful with birth control and sexually-tranmitted disease risk, or not hurting someone physically or emotionally).

The book points out that there is little intergenerational discussion of sex, that many people are not willing to discuss their desires with their partners, and most are even more uncomfortable asking about their partner's needs.

The best sections are on how individual desires are shaped. These materials occur in chapters 6-10. If you agree that there isn't much communication, you can probably skip over the earlier chapters and hit these first. I also thought that the chapters on handling inappropriate sexual attraction and avoiding infidelity were well done.

After you finish discussing this book with your partner and making the appropriate accommodations to each other, I suggest that you take on that other taboo area that needs more discussion in a similar manner -- money. I suspect that for most married or committed couples that expanding communication about money and sex will improve the relationships more than just dealing with one or the other. I also recommend Relationship Rescue and The Relationship Rescue Workbook for those who want to work on relationships in all their dimensions.

Open up to give more . . . and you will be the beneficiary as well!

Customer Reviews:

Fun, Great & Helpful!.......1999-09-05

The "Boost Your IQ" is just that: Complete & FUN. You can test each part of your intelligence separately, or find your overall IQ score. The test-taking procedures, test answers, and scoring are easy to follow. However, despite these positive aspects, my reading was often disrupted by a number of typos. Overall, the book is fun, great and helpful.

How to Boost Your Brain Power: Achieving Peak Intelligence, Memory & Creativity

Average customer rating:

How to Boost Your Brain Power: Achieving Peak Intelligence, Memory & Creativity
Roger Yepsen
Manufacturer: Random House Value Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0517071819
Release Date: 1991-07-01

How to Boost Your Brainpower: Achieving Peak Intelligence, Memory, and Creativity

Average customer rating:

Use It Or Lose It

How to Boost Your Brainpower: Achieving Peak Intelligence, Memory, and Creativity
Roger B. Yepsen
Manufacturer: Rodale Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Cognitive Psychology | Behavioral Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Behavioral Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0878576541

Customer Reviews:

Use It Or Lose It.......2001-08-24

The central theme of this out-of-print "How to..." book is: "Use it or lose it". Usually attributed to muscle power and physical fitness, the above axiom applies to the use of our brain. The book advocates for a high level of both physical and mental activity. In fact, as we grow older it is imperative that a physical exercise program be incorporated into our daily lives to reverse the mental decline of normal aging. The book explains in simple terms the brain and how it works, the nutrients required to keep it healthy and the behaviors to avoid in order to maintain peak performance. Absentmindedness, memory impairment, concentration, stress and creativity are just some of the issues the author addresses. While not an in-depth presentation of brain function, this book is written well enough to encourage and motivate readers in this era of Alzheimers awareness to become vigilant caretakers of the most important body part,the brain.

Books:

Books