title: The Flynn effect in neuropsychological assessment.
abstract: The Flynn effect refers to the rise in IQ throughout the 20th century. This study examined whether the Flynn effect has also elevated performance on neuropsychological tests. A search of published norms revealed five tests with appropriate normative data available for comparison. These tests were the Trail-Making Test (TMT), Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT), Boston Naming Test, Finger Tapping, and Grooved Pegboard. Results indicated a strong Flynn effect for Parts A and B of the TMT and a probable Flynn effect for the oral SDMT. No Flynn effect was evident for the other tests. Implications for clinical assessment are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Southern Oregon Neuropsychological Clinic, Medford, Oregon 97504, USA. mdickinson78@mac.com
authors.forename: Mercedes D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Dickinson
authors.forename: Merrill
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hiscock
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology*; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011597:Psychomotor Performance; D012016:Reference Values; D013997:Time Factors