2026年1月托福机经套卷(第11套) - Read an Academic Passage Q2

The Flynn Effect Researchers have observed a phenomenon known as the Flynn Effect: a consistent increase in Intelligence Quotient (IQ) scores from one generation to the next. This trend, named after intelligence researcher James Flynn, shows that average IQ scores have risen by about three points per decade in many parts of the world. Various theories have been proposed to explain this trend. One hypothesis is that improvements in nutrition and healthcare have enhanced brain development, leading to higher IQ scores. Another theory suggests that the complexity of modern life, with its increased cognitive demands, has driven this rise. The widespread use of technology and a more stimulating environment could also be contributing factors. However, the Flynn Effect does not necessarily indicate that people are becoming more intelligent. Some researchers argue that the rise in IQ scores reflects better test-taking skills or familiarity with the types of tasks presented in IQ tests, rather than a genuine increase in cognitive abilities. Recent studies have shown that the Flynn Effect may be slowing down or even reversing in some countries, challenging the notion of a universal and perpetual increase in intelligence.