Can iq change over time

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Research Analysis by Consensus

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Introduction

The question of whether an individual's intelligence quotient (IQ) can change over time has been a topic of considerable research. IQ is often viewed as a stable measure of cognitive ability, but recent studies suggest that it may be more dynamic than previously thought. This synthesis examines the evidence from multiple research papers to understand the extent and nature of IQ changes over time.

Key Insights

IQ Changes in Adolescence:
- IQ can rise or fall during the teenage years, with changes in verbal and non-verbal IQ closely linked to changes in local brain structure.
Measurement Reliability and Naturalistic Changes:
- In most children, IQ changes are negligible or unreliably measured. However, a minority experience significant, real changes that are variable and transient.
IQ Changes in Schizophrenia Patients and Siblings:
- IQ increases over time in patients with non-affective psychosis, their siblings, and controls, although the increase is subtle. Siblings show a more pronounced improvement compared to patients and controls.
Age-Related Changes in IQ:
- Longitudinal studies show that IQ does not necessarily decrease with age. In fact, there can be slight increments, particularly in performance IQ, which aligns with the Horn-Cattell theory of fluid and crystallized intelligence .

Conclusion

The research indicates that IQ is not entirely fixed and can change over time due to various factors such as brain development, mental health conditions, and aging. While most individuals experience negligible changes, a significant minority can see marked and real changes in their IQ. These findings challenge the traditional view of IQ stability and suggest that intellectual capacity can be more fluid, especially during adolescence and in specific populations.