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US adult cognitive score decline research

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2026-08-16 15:41 UTC → 2026-08-21 01:39 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Research involving approximately 400,000 American adults tested between 2006 and 2018 suggests a potential reversal of the Flynn effect, a long-observed trend of rising IQ scores. Findings published in the journal Intelligence indicate declines in several cognitive abilities, including logical reasoning, memory, and processing speed. Social scientist Elizabeth Dworak of Northwestern University, utilizing data from the SAPA Project and the ICAR test, identified these trends. The research indicates that overall IQ scores are declining across all age groups, genders, and education levels. The decline is most pronounced in individuals aged 18 to 22 and those with lower education levels. Specifically, significant decreases have been noted in logical reasoning and pattern recognition, also referred to as “matrix thinking.” However, the shifts are not uniform across all domains. While logical reasoning and verbal comprehension have remained stable or declined, spatial visualization and mental rotation ~~abilities have~~ abilities—the capacity to visualize and manipulate three-dimensional objects—have shown measurable improvement. Some researchers suggest increased video game popularity may influence these shifts, though this remains untested. Researchers note that these trends began before the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of generative artificial intelligence. ~~While no single cause has been confirmed, potential~~ Potential factors under consideration include lifestyle changes, digital technology use, nutritional and environmental factors, and educational practices. Some commentators suggest the shift may reflect ~~changes in how cognitive skills are utilized or trained, potentially due to~~ the “outsourcing of mental tasks like calculation and orientation to smartphones.” In a related context, research into cognitive aging suggests that perceived intelligence decline in older age may be driven by generational and methodological factors rather than biological decay. Studies by researchers Dickinson and Hiscock suggest that the Flynn effect may account for 38% to 67% of observed variations in intelligence testing, noting that perceived stability or decline may sometimes be an artifact of testing methodology.

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