Reflection Essay about Flynn Effect

In an article titled Smarter than ever? by Lea Winerman, researcher James Flynn describes his discovery on the slow rise in the average IQ over time. He explains that it has more to do with the evolving world than it does with the evolving brain.

Overall, I do not think people are getting smarter over time. I think the human brain has adapted to more modern information and abstract tasks. I believe people already had the capability to learn more, however they could only learn and process ideas that were recognized in their time. In addition, IQ tests can be unreliable as the use of dated IQ tests gives an improper evaluation of a person's overall competence. With a constantly changing world, IQ tests must be changed frequently for an accurate representation of future generations' intelligence. Furthermore, the increase in people's average IQ over the years is better explained as improved access to education and updated curriculums. As time progressed so did our ways of teaching. People can now grasp complex concepts and hypothetical situations that were once not clearly taught or understood. In my understanding, IQ has more to do with our improved environment than it does with our genetics in such a short period of time.

While I support the continued use of IQ tests, I do not think they can appropriately represent everyone. The use of only one system results in flawed placements because it is not individualized to fit every type of brain. IQ tests solely measure a particular set of intellectual abilities. This does not show a person's potential in other areas such as their creative ability or social competence. It simply does not give every person a fair chance. There must be some leeway with IQ placement, understanding that some children cannot successfully demonstrate their full range of capabilities through this type of testing. These tests are still useful for rough estimates of a student's progress throughout their years of schooling. I believe it is appropriate to give the test to those whose mental processes benefit from this type of testing, however, there should be other opportunities for people to show their full academic skills.

In summary, for IQ tests to continue to be accurate reflections of a person's ability, they must be updated continually to fit the minds of an evolving world. IQ tests are great for those who comprehend this type of testing, and for individuals that do not, there are plenty of other ways to demonstrate their academic abilities. With that being said, I do believe that over a great deal of time, human minds will be able to evolve to understand concepts not yet understood today. Still, the reasons IQ test averages are rising, in my opinion, has little to do with evolution of the human mind.