More time at school may increase IQ
Norwegian researchers found out that the more years we spent in school, the more chances to increase our intelligence.
The researchers stated that an extra year in the classroom could increase IQ by nearly 4 points. But, unfortunately, they do not know if this relates to all children or just those in their study.
They took advantage of a natural experiment in the Norwegian education system and its effect on 107223 pupils.
After 1955 regional governments in Norway increased compulsory education from 7 to 9 years. In this case, pupils left school at 16 instead of 14. The effect of this forced increase in schooling was measured at the age of 19 when the military gave all men eligible for drafting an IQ test.
An unusually large increase in both average education and average IQ is apparent at the same time as the reform was introduced.
However, determining whether spending more time in school actually improves IQ is more difficult, as it is possible that children with a naturally higher IQ are those who choose to spend more time in the education system.
The researchers admit that the effect may only relates to Norwegian society or its education system.
Comments
(0)