Author Question: Explain what the Flynn effect is and whether heredity or environment best accounts for it. What ... (Read 108 times)

kodithompson · **on:** Jun 22, 2018

Explain what the Flynn effect is and whether heredity or environment best accounts for it.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Tronick et al. (2005) used the ____ method in their study of mother-child interactions in children who were prenatally exposed to cocaine.

a. case study
b. experimental
c. clinical
d. structured observation

bob · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

The Flynn effect is the systematic increase in IQ scores observed over the 20th century. On average, countries have experienced an IQ gain of 3 points per decade over that century. The cause of the Flynn effect is predominantly environmental, given that the increase occurs too rapidly to be due to evolutionary explanations. One feature of the environmental explanation is simply that people are being trained to be better test-takers. Improved access and quality of education over this period of time probably accounts for this. Nutrition and health improvements over the 20th century probably also account for the Flynn effect. Better nutrition and health can optimize brain and nervous system development, allowing humans to perform at their peak on intellectual tasks and assessments.

Answer to Question 2

D