The Flynn effect is a
phenomenon characterized
by the consistent and
substantial increase in
measured intelligence test
scores over the 20 th
century. It is named after
James R. Flynn, a New Zealand psychologist who
extensively researched this trend and brought it to
prominence in the 1980 s.Key points about the Flynn effect:1. **Rise in IQ Scores:** The central observation of
the Flynn effect is the rise in average IQ scores over
generations. IQ tests are designed to have an
average score of 100 , with a standard deviation of
15. This means that the average IQ of each
generation is adjusted to be 100. The Flynn effect
indicates that the average IQ of each new
generation has been significantly higher than the
previous generation.2. **Cross-Cultural Phenomenon:** The Flynn
effect has been observed in numerous countries
and across diverse populations, suggesting that it is
a global phenomenon. It has been documented in
both developed and developing countries.3. **Magnitude of Increase:** The increase in IQ
scores has been substantial, with estimates
suggesting an average gain of about 3 points per
decade. This means that a person with an IQ of 100
in the early 20 th century would, on average, score
below 70 by today's standards, which is considered
to be in the range of intellectual disability.Flynn effect: increased measures of
intelligence