Flynn effect

Flynn Effect is a term used to describe the substantial and long-sustained increase in both fluid and crystallized intelligence test scores measured in many parts of the world from roughly 1930 to the present day. The effect is named after James R. Flynn, who did much to document it and promote awareness of its implications.

Overview

The Flynn Effect is the substantial increase in intelligence test scores that has been observed in many parts of the world since the 1930s. This increase has been continuous and approximately linear from the earliest years of testing to the present. The Flynn Effect is named after James R. Flynn, a researcher who did much to document the effect and promote awareness of its implications.

Causes

The causes of the Flynn Effect are not entirely understood. Proposed explanations include improved nutrition, a trend toward smaller families, better education, greater environmental complexity, and heterosis (the advantage of outbreeding over inbreeding).

Implications

The Flynn Effect has important implications for how we understand intelligence and its heritability. It suggests that environmental factors can have a significant impact on IQ scores. In addition, the Flynn Effect has been used to argue against the notion that intelligence is a fixed and unchangeable trait.

Criticisms

Some critics argue that the Flynn Effect merely reflects the fact that modern IQ tests are better at measuring abstract reasoning skills than older tests, and does not necessarily indicate a genuine increase in intelligence. Others argue that the Flynn Effect has been slowing or even reversing in some countries, suggesting that the factors driving the effect may be changing or diminishing.

See also

• Intelligence quotient
• Heritability of IQ
• James R. Flynn

References

Flynn effect Resources
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