College Essays-Which explanation do you favor for the Flynn effect:
Which explanation do you favor for the Flynn effect:
Read the article entitled, “Are We Smarter than Our Parents?” in chapter 5 of your textbook. This article addresses a study by Dr. James Flynn of the rise of the IQ rate over generations, and how statistics are involved in tracking this phenomenon, especially with reference to the material in chapter 5.
The rise in performance on IQ tests contrasts sharply with a steady decline in performance over the past few decades on many tests that measure factual knowledge, such as the SAT. Think of several possible ways to explain these contrasting results, and form an opinion as to the most likely explanation.
Results on IQ tests tend to differ among different ethnic groups. Some people have used this fact to argue that some ethnic groups tend to be intellectually superior to others. Can such an argument still be supported in light of the Flynn effect? Defend your opinion.
Discuss some of the common uses of JQ tests. Do you think that IQ tests should be used for these purposes? Does the Flynn effect alter your thoughts about the uses of IQ tests? Explain.