Final answer:
The Flynn effect refers to the rise in average IQ scores observed over generations, indicating that each subsequent generation has significantly higher IQ scores than the last.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Flynn effect refers to the observation that each generation has a significantly higher IQ than the previous generation. This effect is named after James Flynn, who was among the first to describe this trend. Contrary to the notion that it reflects an increase in raw intellectual capabilities, James Flynn argued that while IQ scores have increased, this does not necessarily mean that younger generations are inherently more intelligent. This phenomenon has interesting implications for understanding fluid intelligence, which is the ability to see complex relationships and solve problems, and how it evolves over time.
Looking at the provided options:
- a. rise in an individual's IQ over the years.
- b. decrease in an individual's IQ over the years.
- c. rise in average IQ over the generations.
- d. decrease in average IQ over the generations.
The correct answer to the initial question is c. rise in average IQ over the generations.