In recent decades, the average intelligence quotient (IQ) has decreased in many countries, while concentration ability has increased. This trend, known as the Flynn Effect, saw a significant rise in IQ in most industrialized nations in the 20th century. However, in recent years, the trend has flattened, with some countries experiencing stagnation and others, including the United States, seeing a decline in average IQ. While the causes of this trend remain unclear, researchers at the University of Vienna have published a metastudy in the journal Personality and Individual Differences, which examines whether attention and concentration ability in adults follow the Flynn Effect.
The study found that concentration ability has positively developed in the last 20 to 30 years, with researchers suggesting that this could be due to a shift in how performance is evaluated, with speed being prioritized over accuracy. Additionally, a more impulsive behavior, possibly due to increased societal acceptance of mistakes, could also contribute to this trend. The metastudy analyzed data from 179 research studies, including over 21,000 participants from 32 different countries, who completed the d2-Test, a standardized psychological test that assesses selective and sustained attention. The results showed a significant increase in concentration ability over the observed period, but only in adults, not children.
Interestingly, the study also found differences in results between German-speaking countries and other regions. In German-speaking countries, children showed a decrease in the number of errors made over the study period, while adults only showed a slight improvement in concentration ability. Despite these differences, the research team believes that the increased attention performance plays a significant role in the rise of intelligence and intensifies the Flynn Effect.
In conclusion, while the average IQ has decreased in many countries, concentration ability has increased, particularly in adults. The reasons for this trend remain unclear, but the study suggests that a shift in how performance is evaluated and increased societal acceptance of mistakes could be contributing factors. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the relationship between attention and intelligence and could have implications for future research in this field.
