Rising IQ Scores in British Children: Recent Evidence

Abstract

Between 1987 and 1990 IQ scores for 333 5-year-old white school children were obtained using the Wechsler Pre-School and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI) and the results were compared with 112 children assessed in 1967. The mean full scale IQ score of 113.3 was 8 points higher than the mean of 105.1 in the 1967 study. These findings indicate that the rate of increase of IQ scores was comparable and probably higher than that reported in the U.S.A. for the period 1932-78. It is important that this large increase is taken into account for correct interpretation of IQ test results.