Which of the following best describes the Flynn Effect?

Which of the following best describes the Flynn Effect?

a) Assuming that what we see is representative of a larger category we have in our mind.

b) The observation that raw IQ scores have been rising since 1932.

c) Searching only for information that supports our hypothesis.

d) The observation that the mean standardized IQ score has risen since 1932.

Answer: d) The observation that the mean standardized IQ score has risen since 1932.

The Flynn effect was, when researchers noticed that over time, there were improvements in average index scores on standardized intelligence tests. Specifically, it discusses Flynn effect , which provides information about observed increase in the mean IQ in different populations within the generations. This trend was discovered by the American philosopher and psychologist James R. Flynn in 1980s after he found that the people’s IQ scores that were tested in different years have been gradually increasing at the rate of approximately three points per decade starting from the beginning of the 20th century. As for the reasons as to why the Flynn Effect exists, there is no consensus, however some possible explanations include improved diet, higher literacy, and/or favourable environment that may improve intelligence.