Flynn effect

n. The Flynn effect is the continued rise in intelligence test scores from generation to generation that has been universally detected across all measured populations. Named for its discoverer, James R. Flynn, the Flynn effect shows an average increase in intelligence test scores of approximately 3 points per decade, although the rate of increase varies somewhat from country to country. In addition, there is some evidence that the rate of increase is accelerating. While the Flynn effect appears regardless of the specific intelligence test examined, the greatest gains in intelligence occur on tests targeting fluid intelligence rather than crystallized intelligence. Because intelligence test norms are restandardized periodically to maintain the average score of 100, the Flynn effect was not detected until cross-generational comparisons of scores were conducted. On the surface, the Flynn effect seems to provide evidence that each generation is progressively more intelligent than previous populations, but Flynn does not support this explanation. Rather, he proposes that societal advances in the promotion of abstract thinking, combined with the emphasis of this skill in traditional intelligence tests, are responsible for the apparent increase in intelligence. In addition, other theorists have hypothesized that the gains in intelligence may be attributed to increased education, enhanced nutrition, adaptation to time- limited testing, and the trend toward smaller families. Despite the clear, consistent trends identified by the Flynn effect, there is still considerable controversy in explaining the roots of this phenomenon.

- BJM