Northwestern University study finds decline in logical reasoning and IQ scores

Flynn Effect IQ scores cognitive decline spatial visualization logical reasoning

A study analyzing cognitive test data from approximately 400,000 subjects between 2006 and 2018 indicates a reversal of the Flynn Effect, where IQ scores had previously risen for decades. Social scientist Elizabeth Dworak of Northwestern University utilized data from the SAPA Project and the ICAR test to identify these trends.

The research shows that overall IQ scores are declining across all age groups, genders, and education levels. Specifically, there has been a significant decrease in logical reasoning and pattern recognition (matrix thinking). The decline is most pronounced among individuals aged 18 to 22 and those with lower educational backgrounds.

However, the findings are not entirely negative. While logical and verbal comprehension remained stable or declined, spatial visualization abilities have shown a measurable improvement. Some commentators suggest this shift may reflect a change in how cognitive skills are utilized or trained in the modern era, potentially due to the outsourcing of mental tasks like calculation and orientation to smartphones.

Entities

Elizabeth Dworak · ICAR Test · Northwestern University · SAPA Project

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 5 SOURCES] Spatial visualization abilities have shown an increase, contrary to the general trend. www.merkur.de · www.fehmarn24.de · www.kurierverlag.de · www.kreiszeitung.de · www.tz.de
[● 5 SOURCES] Overall IQ scores have declined across all age groups, education levels, and genders. www.merkur.de · www.fehmarn24.de · www.kurierverlag.de · www.kreiszeitung.de · www.tz.de
[● 5 SOURCES] The decline in scores is most pronounced among 18- to 22-year-olds and individuals with lower education levels. www.merkur.de · www.fehmarn24.de · www.kurierverlag.de · www.kreiszeitung.de · www.tz.de
[● 5 SOURCES] Logical thinking and pattern recognition skills have decreased. www.merkur.de · www.fehmarn24.de · www.kurierverlag.de · www.kreiszeitung.de · www.tz.de
[● 5 SOURCES] Verbal comprehension skills have remained largely unchanged. www.merkur.de · www.fehmarn24.de · www.kurierverlag.de · www.kreiszeitung.de · www.tz.de
[● 5 SOURCES] Analyzed cognitive test data from approximately 400,000 subjects between 2006 and 2018. www.merkur.de · www.fehmarn24.de · www.kurierverlag.de · www.kreiszeitung.de · www.tz.de