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Assessing The Flynn Effect: A Longitudinal Study Of Iq Score Changes From 1999-2018

Publication at Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Faculty of Arts |
2019

Abstract

Objectives. The Flynn effect refers to an increase of IQ scores in intelligence tests of approximately .33 points per year, it is also related to the concept of secular acceleration.

This substantial increase in fluid and crystalized intelligence has been observed worldwide throughout the 20th century. Nevertheless, it has remained a widely discussed topic, with both its supporters and opponents.

The aim of this study was a longitudinal, not cross-sectional, monitoring of the results in the intelligence test during the period of time from 1999 to 2018. Method.

We used the Vienna Matrix Test, which is a one-dimensional psychodiagnostic method for the estimation of the non-verbal intellect, based on Spearman's "g". The sample captures a total of 49,355 individual results.

The population mainly consists of armed forces applicants, professional soldiers, and also a clinical population. Results.

The results suggest statistically significant differences between the separate years of testing, although there is no evident sustained upward trend. Conclusion.

The main contribution of this study is the finding that it is possible to confirm the Flynn effect hypothesis in the case of cross-sectional comparison, but the results become ambiguous in a long-term observation.