The Flynn Effect is among the phenomena that continue to puzzle and divide scholars. Essentially, the Flynn Effect refers to the observed increases in intelligence scores across different populations over time. One of the specific questions that scholars have strived to answer concerns the factors responsible for the Flynn Effect. Research suggests that this phenomenon is the result of a combination of environmental and genetic factors.
As noted above, researchers have attributed the Flynn Effect to both genetic and environmental forces. Among these researchers is Stephanie Clark (2017). In her text, she notes that socioeconomic conditions are linked to the Flynn Effect. According to Clark, the Flynn Effect has been more pronounced in industrialized nations. She adds that developing nations such as Kenya have also witnessed a significant and sustained increase in the intelligence scores of its population. Whereas she maintains that socioeconomic conditions mediate the Flynn Effect, Clark indicates that in the recent past, a decline in intelligence scores has been witnessed. This observation is important as it underscores the complexity of this phenomenon and the need for further research. Apart from socioeconomic conditions, better nutrition and investment in healthcare are other environmental factors that researchers have identified as being behind the Flynn Effect (Trahan et al., 2014).
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The environmental factors such as socioeconomic conditions are not the only forces that have been linked to the Flynn Effect. Genetics has also been cited as a possible explanation (“Genetics and Intelligence”, 2017). It is generally understood that intelligence has its roots in genetics. One should be cautious when seeking to establish the link between genetics and the Flynn Effect. The need for caution stems from the fact that intelligence is usually measured using instruments whose validity and reliability may be in question. There is no question that more research should be conducted to determine conclusively whether and how genetics does indeed influence intelligence.
References
Black, S. A. (2017). High stakes IQ testing: the Flynn Effect and its clinical implications. Journal of the Australia and New Zealand Student Services Association. Retrieved February 7, 2019 from https://janzssa.scholasticahq.com/api/v1/attachments/4262/download
Genetics and intelligence. (2017). Serious Science. Retrieved February 7, 2019 from http://serious-science.org/genetics-and-intelligence-8693
Trahan, L., Stuebing, K. K., Hiscock, M. K., & Fletcher, J. M. (2014). The Flynn Effect: a meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 140 (5), 1332-60.
