Page "Flynn effect" Paragraph 16

In 2001, Dickens and Flynn presented a model for resolving several contradictory findings regarding IQ.

They argue that the measure " heritability " includes both a direct effect of the genotype on IQ and also indirect effects such that the genotype changes the environment, thereby affecting IQ.

That is, those with a greater IQ tend to seek stimulating environments that further increase IQ.

These reciprocal effects result in gene environment correlation.

The direct effect could initially have been very small but feedback can create large differences of IQ.

In their model, an environmental stimulus can have a very great effect on IQ, even for adults, but this effect also decays over time unless the stimulus continues ( the model could be adapted to include possible factors, like nutrition during early childhood, that may cause permanent effects ).

The Flynn effect can be explained by a generally more stimulating environment for all people.

The authors suggest that any program designed to increase IQ may produce long-term IQ gains if that program teaches children how to replicate the types of cognitively demanding experiences that produce IQ gains outside the program.

To maximize lifetime IQ, the programs should also motivate them to continue searching for cognitively demanding experiences after they have left the program.