Researchers from the University of Aberdeen and NHS Grampian have found that IQ, the intelligence quotient, a measure of the intelligence of an individual, improves with each new generation.

Prior studies conducted around the globe have demonstrated an increase in IQ by three or four points for every decade that passed. The phenomenon has since been named as the "Flynn effect," after Professor James R. Flynn who first described it. Although the reason for it is uncertain, better health, higher living standards, more socio-economic opportunities and better nutrition are factors that are thought to contribute.

Like Us on Facebook

The team from Aberdeen examined two groups of people raised in the area, one born in 1936 and the other born in 1921. The people, who are known as the Aberdeen Birth Cohort, were tested when they were just 11 and  later tested when they turned 62. The study was comprised of 751 individuals who were all tested when they were 11, and were retested between 1998 to 2011 on up to five different instances.

The scientists compared the two batches at age 11 and found an increase of 3.7 points in IQ, which was within the range seen in the studies about the topic but was markedly below what was anticipated. A comparison later in life, however, discovered an increase in IQ of 16.5 points, which was more than three times the expected value.

The leader of the study, Dr. Roger Staff, described the size of the gains in intelligence as "surprisingly large."

"When you consider the life experiences of the two groups, those born in 1921 experienced the Depression as teenagers and then World War Two," Staff said.

"Those born in 1936 were children during the war and experienced food rationing," he added. "Although rationing meant that the food was not particularly appetising, it was nutritious and probably superior to the older group."

The post-war political changes, including the greater emphasis on education and introduction of the welfare state ensured greater opportunities and better health for the people, according to Staff.

"Finally, in their thirties and forties the 1936 group experienced the oil boom which brought them and the city prosperity. Taken together, good nutrition, education and occupational opportunities have resulted in this life long improvement in their intelligence. Aberdeen has been good for their IQ!

Staff noted that the IQ gains are most likely not exclusive to Aberdeen, with similar situations being experienced in the United Kingdom at the time.

Tagsintelligence, IQ, Aberdeen, University of Averdeen, Flynn effect