It has long been a topic of great interest among scholars and the general public to discuss intelligence and IQ. In recent years, a concern has been raised that human beings are undergoing a process of involution, leading to a decline in cognitive abilities.
This apprehension is rooted in the fact that average IQ scores are on a downward trend, and a recent study published in the Intelligence journal earlier this year has reignited the controversy. The study utilized data from a specific test called the Synthetic Opening Personality Assessment Project, which was administered to 400,000 Americans between 2006 and 2018.
The results of the study revealed a decline in the scores of various aspects of intelligence, including logic, vocabulary, visual problem-solving, analogies, computational skills, and mathematical ability. All of these domains displayed a marked decrease in scores compared to the initial results of the test. However, it’s worth noting that the study also identified areas where scores remained stable or increased.
This study puts on the table the idea that the human being is involved
It has been observed that in the realm of spatial reasoning or 3D rotation, scores have improved as we near the year 2018. However, Elizabeth Dworak has suggested that the decline in performance in certain areas does not necessarily imply a regression in human intelligence, but rather a difficulty in performing these particular tests.
Humans are inherently intricate, making it difficult to measure intelligence through a series of tests, which can vary in complexity depending on the situation. Although the data presented in this study should not be dismissed, other factors must also be taken into account to form a comprehensive understanding.
Undoubtedly, there has been a decline in certain skills in recent times, but in order to locate the root of the problem, a battery of tests and studies must be conducted. It is illogical to present this information without offering a solution to aid human beings in overcoming this challenge.
