Are newer generations smarter than their predecessors?
The world we live in has robots performing surgeries, artificial intelligence making apt movie, song and product recommendations, tracking devices making life easier than before. The pace at which technology has evolved throughout the 20th century, has made scientists and thought leaders ponder over this question: Are humans getting smarter with each generation? At least the increasing average score of IQ tests around the world, especially the West, all along the 20th century would have us believe so. This phenomenon of steady increase in IQ test scores from one generation to the other is known as the Flynn effect.
What is the Flynn effect?
First described in the 1980s by a New Zealand-based political scientist named James Flynn, the Flynn effect refers to the finding that newer generations score higher in IQ tests than their predecessors. IQ tests are conducted to measure intelligence on a relative scale. This means the score one gets is evaluated in relation to the rest of the population. Each generation of tests becomes harder and more challenging than the last. When children of newer generation are given the tests taken by the older generation in their time, they tend to score substantially higher than their predecessors. It has been found that the increase in test score was around three IQ points per decade.
Why does this happen?
There are quite a few theories behind the Flynn effect. The factors that impact these scores may be anything from better access to education to the changing society among others. Here is a low-down on them
Better access to education: With changes in policy and infrastructure, a wider populace has access to education, irrespective of their economic and social status. Also, compared to the mid-1900s, more people are likely to finish schooling and go for higher studies as the job industry demands specialized skill sets.
Improved health and nutrition: With the progression of time, mass awareness about public health issues and complications related to nutrition has increased. Health and nutrition issues used to prevent people from previous generations from tapping their full potential.
Changing society: Society has changed to a new state of evolution where we have had to develop a different state of mind to keep up with the rapidly changing technological and ideological environments.
Wider exposure: The newer generations are exposed to more complex forms of entertainments and more sophisticated technology that sharpen cognitive skills like spatial awareness, problem solving and analytical thinking among others. Moreover, it is also easier now to engage in cross cultural communication which widens children’s perceptions of the world.
What can be inferred from this phenomenon?
The Flynn effect shows that the human mind is much more malleable and adaptable than previously assumed. Intelligence isn’t innate but developed through our interactions with the environment. It can be moulded and improved by exposing people to a myriad of external factors and shaped by the education we receive.