Discussion

At the end of the chapter on page 229 is a section entitled "Focus on Psychology--Are We Smarter than Our Parents?" Please read those paragraphs and respond to one of the following:
1.	Which explanation do you favor for the Flynn effect: that people are getting smarter or that people are merely getting more practice at the skills measured on IQ tests? Defend your opinion. 
2.	The rise in performance on IQ tests contrasts sharply with a steady decline in performance over the past few decades on many tests that measure factual knowledge, such as the SAT. Think of several possible ways to explain these contrasting results, and form an opinion as to the most likely explanation. 
3.	Results on IQ tests tend to differ among different ethnic groups. Some people have used this fact to argue that some ethnic groups tend to be intellectually superior to others. Can such an argument still be supported in light of the Flynn effect? Defend your opinion. 
4.	Discuss some of the common uses of IQ tests. Do you think that IQ tests should be used for these purposes? Does the Flynn effect alter your thoughts about the uses of IQ tests? Explain. 
In this week’s discussion, you will interact with your classmates on the course content. Remember that your goal for discussion assignments is three-fold: 
•	to get involved throughout the entire week 
•	to contribute in a way that adds to the discussion and moves it forward in an original fashion 
•	to use the course content to inform your posts and responses 
Keep in mind that when you post, you may include references to the textbook and articles found online. The class is all about sharing knowledge, so use discussions as a way of creating a community resource for yourself and your classmates.
Be sure your post is grammatically correct, has been spell checked, and fully answers the question. Be sure to comment on and respond to your classmates' postings throughout the week. 

The Upside down Flynn Effect 	
Edward Jackson 	
4/28/2012 7:45:41 PM	

	
Results on IQ tests tend to differ among different ethnic groups. Some people have used this fact to argue that some ethnic groups tend to be intellectually superior to others. Can such an argument still be supported in light of the Flynn effect? Defend your opinion.

The Flynn effect is most likely false.  It’s false because IQ tests themselves are flawed and do not measure total population.  Cultural diversity and socio-economic opportunities were never originally factored into the tests and from what I’ve read on IQ tests, the tests still have a long way to go into achieving unbiased testing standards.  IQ tests were never created to factor in just how technology affects us either.  Many believe technology is making our brains extremely lazy.  The real statistic I would like to see (and what I believe) is that smarter people are getting exponentially smarter and achieving more – mostly because they are standing on the shoulders of their predecessors; those being the scientists, engineers, and all the great men and women of the past.

Generally, I think most people are just using their brain power to juggle a new subset of skills.  In the past it was farming, raising cattle, and surviving extremely harsh conditions (which by the way isn’t so easy).  Now our brain power is being utilized to send emails, play video games, and talk on our cell phones.  I wouldn’t say that makes us smarter, just different.  If the Flynn effect has somehow determined we are getting smarter overall, I would humbly disagree.  Some people are getting smarter of course, but with the population explosion that is going on in the world, there is no way that there will be a rising IQ score among the entire population.
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Eddie Jackson
GOK - Philosophy Major/Liberal Studies
http://eddiejackson.net  university page 

http://eddiejackson.net/web_images/cartooniq.jpg	

RE: DQ6 Question 1 	
Edward Jackson 	
4/29/2012 12:47:36 PM	

	
I agree, people are learning to take tests.  But does that make us smarter?  I don’t think so.  I also find it extremely hard to believe that the Flynn Effect would encompass or relate to the entire population on the planet.  I’ve met many people in my 18+ years in the corporate world, and let me tell you, most are just barely making it; they don’t seem like we’re all involved in this Flynn Effect at all.
That’s not to say there aren’t some people that are really smart…perhaps even smarter than our ancestors, but that’s only because they’re standing on the shoulders of giants.  The Flynn Effect can’t be true because of the mere fact of population explosion on this planet.  The population is growing exponentially, and most of those people do not, and will not, have the opportunities to become educated or even be exposed to 1st world socio-economic prosperity.  So, in reality people’s IQs are probably staying about the same.  And, in some cases where technology has made us extremely lazy, perhaps the IQ scores have even dropped.  Now that I would believe.

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Eddie Jackson
GOK - Philosophy Major/Liberal Studies
http://eddiejackson.net  university page 

http://eddiejackson.net/web_images/iqtest1.gif	

RE: Unit 6 	
Edward Jackson 	
4/29/2012 1:09:45 PM	

	
IQ scores and testing have always fascinated me.  They have a revered status among our society, except for the fact that most people have never taken an IQ test.  

IQs aren’t really used to get jobs, pay the bills, acquire food, shelter or clothing.  It’s wonderful if someone has a high IQ, I’m not knocking that, but high IQs are only good if you can bring about positive change in our world.  The Flynn Effect states we are all becoming smarter, I would disagree with that statement.  Most likely, what is happening is that we are learning to juggle a different set of contemporary practical skills.
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Eddie Jackson
GOK - Philosophy Major/Liberal Studies
http://eddiejackson.net  university page 

http://eddiejackson.net/web_images/flynncartoon.jpg	

We underrate the people of the past and overrate ourselves.  Some of the past civilizations reigned for thousands of years…all the while achieving things we can’t even achieve today.  They were able to build structures like the pyramids and the coliseum, yet still maintained strong family values and ties to heritage.  Even if the Flynn Effect was valid at one time, there’s no way it will stand the test of time.