Do schooling gains yield anomalous Jensen effects? A reply to Flynn (2019) including a meta-analysis

J Biosoc Sci. 2019 Nov;51(6):917-919. doi: 10.1017/S002193201900021X. Epub 2019 May 21.

Abstract

A test of Jensen effects is of nil value as a diagnostic instrument when various good-sized meta-analyses show Jensen effects appear for both genetic effects and environmental effects. Using thought experiments, Flynn (2019) claims that some schooling gains yield Jensen effects, which should not be the case for an environmental effect. However, a meta-analysis (K = 12, total N = 60,993, mean r = 0.13) of schooling gains shows no Jensen effect. Real data trump thought experiments, so it is concluded there is no empirical proof of anomalous Jensen effects for schooling gains.

Keywords: IQ; Jensen effects; Schooling gains.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Educational Measurement*
  • Educational Status*
  • Humans
  • Republic of Korea
  • Young Adult