The Flynn effect, which postulated an increase in global IQ scores over time, has been questioned by recent studies that point to a declining trend. A survey carried out with first-year elementary school students in Eskisehir, Turkey, between 2016 and 2021, corroborates this new perspective. The results revealed a decrease in general intelligence (total IQ), verbal intelligence, and nonverbal intelligence scores over the years, with a sharp decline between 2020 and 2021. (Bal-Sezerel, B., Ateşgöz, NN, & Kirişçi, No. 2023).
This drop in IQ scores, particularly notable during the COVID-19 pandemic, raises concerns about the impacts of the health crisis on children’s cognitive development. Social isolation, disruption to school routines and increased stress and anxiety may have contributed to this decline. It is essential that more research is carried out to investigate the causes of this phenomenon and its long-term implications, in order to develop effective strategies to mitigate its effects and ensure the healthy development of future generations. (Bal-Sezerel, B., Ateşgöz, N.N., & Kirişçi, N. 2023).
Reference:
Bal-Sezerel, B., Ateşgöz, N. N., & Kirişçi, N. (2023). Intelligence differences across years: A trend analysis. Kuramsal Eğitimbilim Dergisi [Journal of Theoretical Educational Science], 16(1), 107-126.
