I can think of 4 major and two minor reasons for the Flynn effect.
1) More diverse mating, especially for people in small towns, as a result of better personal transportation. Some observes believe that the spread of Bicycles increased the likleyhood of someone marrying outside their villiage or clan group, and thus decreased stupidity due to intermarriage. Migration to larger cities and towns is also a factor.
2) Much better nutrition, as previously discussed. Note that the quality of nutrition has improved from sufficent calories, to vitamins, then trace minerals, and now compounds like Omega 3 fatty acids. This effect is probably running out of effect in developed countries.
3) Childhood vaccinations and childhood disease management, especially of fevers. Fevers can cause some degree of brain damage.
4) More diverse early environmnents, with mobiles and toys near the crib, more people to encounter in urban enviroments, and people able to travel to new places with small children. Extensive animal studies have shown that a more diverse early environment produces intellignece and improved brain connections.
5) A minor but growing effect : genetic counseling and the use of amnioscentisis to check for fetal abnormalities, and pregnancy termination options.
6) Evluation tools to determine learning disabilities early, and various ways of mitigating the effects of learning disabilities, such as dyslexia.
I would expect that 4, 5, and 6 are still having some effects, while nutriton is still producing small positive improvements. |
