A Comparison between Thirteen‐Year‐Olds Tested in 1961, 1966 and 1980

Abstract

Abstract: Emanuelsson, I. & Svensson, A. 1986. Does the Level of Intelligence Decrease? A Comparison between Thirteen‐Year‐Olds Tested in 1961, 1966 and 1980. Scandinavian Journal of Educational Research 30, 25‐38. The purpose of the investigation is to study changes in intelligence among Swedish thirteen‐year‐olds during a 20‐year period. The results show that the average of spatial and reasoning intelligence has successively risen. Concerning verbal intelligence, there is a clear increase during the beginning of the 1960's. After this period, some decrease has occurred. Between social groups no changes in the differences were observed. On the other hand, between boys and girls this was the case. In verbal ability, there were only small differences between the sexes in 1961. However, in 1980 the girls were clearly ahead of the boys. Concerning spatial and reasoning ability, the boys were superior in the early 1960's. 20 years later this difference had practically disappeared.