IQ can rise or fall in adolescent years, according to a new study.
Until now it has been assumed that intellectual capability remains static throughout an individual’s life. However, tests conducted by University College, London show this is not the case.
Brain scans, as well as verbal and non-verbal IQ tests conducted on 19 boys and 14 girls between the ages of 14 and 18 showed the IQ of teens could either improve or deteriorate.
The research did not investigate the causes of the changes, but it has been suggested that fluctuations could be attributed to some teenagers simply being “late” or “early” developers, or that quality of education may contribute.
Read more at Wellcome Trust Centre for Neuroimaging, University College London