The IQ test is a notoriously narrow measure of intelligence, and even then, it's possible to become more 'test wise' by getting more practice at taking IQ tests, without actually getting more intelligent.
Even so, it seems that the human race is getting collectively better at the sorts of tasks that IQ tests measure. Researchers at Kings College, London have compiled historical IQ test results together and noted a trend whereby overall IQ points per head of population have increased over time.
They analysed data from 405 previous studies from more than 200,000 participants, over 64 years and from 48 countries. They found that, on average, intelligence has risen the equivalent of 20 IQ points since 1950:
This may be that because more people globally now go through formal education than they did in the past, meaning that they get more practice in the sort of critical thinking and problem solving that the IQ test measures. It may be that the modern world contains more daily interpretation of signs, symbols and patterns as a part of daily routine. Or it may be from better nutrition and living conditions.
Even so, it seems that the human race is getting collectively better at the sorts of tasks that IQ tests measure. Researchers at Kings College, London have compiled historical IQ test results together and noted a trend whereby overall IQ points per head of population have increased over time.
They analysed data from 405 previous studies from more than 200,000 participants, over 64 years and from 48 countries. They found that, on average, intelligence has risen the equivalent of 20 IQ points since 1950:
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| Source: BBC News |
Or maybe humans are just getting cleverer?
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