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Scientific research finds humans are getting dumber

A new study finds we aren’t as smart as we think we are. - by Laura Barry
  • 31 Jan 2019
Scientific research finds humans are getting dumber

A new study has discovered that humans are no longer getting smarter.

Scientists at the Ragnar Frisch Centre for Economic Research in Norway analysed 730,000 IQ tests given to Norwegian men before their compulsory military service from 1970 to 2009 and the researchers found that the average IQ scores were actually decreasing. In fact, the study found that on average, each new generation of Norwegian men drop seven IQ points.

This research is important because previous research done in the field suggests that humans were roughly adding three IQ points to their intelligence every decade, but the trend now seems to be reversing.

The findings aren’t just limited to Norway either. Similar research done by New Zealand researcher James Flynn on British teenagers in 2009 found IQ points were decreasing among teens even then. Furthermore, similar studies have been carried out in Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Finland and Estonia and all have found a similar downwards trend in IQ scores.

kids dressed up
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However, researchers hypothesise the decrease in the average IQ score isn’t caused by genetics, but environmental factors such as our diets, lifestyle, screen time and changes to the way children are now taught in schools.

Another hypothesis is that IQ tests are an old way of evaluating intelligence, and our educational structures and coursework have changed in such a way that the traditional IQ test isn’t an accurate representation of new intelligence.

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Laura Barry
Laura Barry
Laura Barry is a writer, bookworm and interior design enthusiast with a love for reporting on all things homes, travel and lifestyle. When not tapping away at her keyboard, Laura can be found making endless cups of tea or perusing the shelves of Sydney’s many bookstores.

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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

The best diets of 2020 have been named

The best diets of 2020 have been named

Living by the water makes you healthier, happier and calmer

Living by the water makes you healthier, happier and calmer

Research reveals 30-year-olds get the worst hangovers

Research reveals 30-year-olds get the worst hangovers

Urgent food recall: Coles, Woolworths, IGA Sriracha Chilli sauce

Urgent food recall: Coles, Woolworths, IGA Sriracha Chilli sauce

{headline}

{headline}

New Australian alcohol guidelines released before New Years Eve

New Australian alcohol guidelines released before New Years Eve

The 4 most common Christmas injuries

The 4 most common Christmas injuries

Women sleep better with their dog beside them

Women sleep better with their dog beside them

{headline}

{headline}

Poisoning by essential oils is on the rise

Poisoning by essential oils is on the rise

Dangerous superbugs found in makeup and popular makeup sponge

Dangerous superbugs found in makeup and popular makeup sponge

Study reveals people with glasses are usually more intelligent

Study reveals people with glasses are usually more intelligent

 Choc chip cookies not only delicious, but addictive, says study

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 Udder Delights Cheese recalled due to E.coli contamination

Udder Delights Cheese recalled due to E.coli contamination

Health tips for coping with smoke haze

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People are now catching eyelash lice

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