Are we children of the 60s or Baby Boomers more intelligent than Generation X (80s kids). A recent study conducted by the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise would like us believe, this is the case. Or at least the notion that levels of intelligence did not differ significantly between generations. Only three percent of Baby Boomers believe that Generation X have a higher IQ - in spite of the fact this is what best reflects reality.

Talent measurement, more popularly known as the IQ test, is one of psychology's greatest discoveries of all time. The classic IQ test came to light at the turn of the century in Paris, when Simon & Binet compiled the test for children. The challenge then was to measure a child's performance in relation to their age and - in so doing so the IQ was created. Intelligence quotient thus is the ratio between a person's mental age and biological age. The military in many countries quickly realized the value of the magic figure when it achieved a high level of accuracy in predicting performance in more obscure areas. So there presently exists plenty of data collated from generations of patterned individuals, which can be used as a template for comparing results of IQ tests over time. It's through this approach that James R Flynn, an American scientist discovered that each generation performs significantly better in IQ tests than the previous generation.

Naturally, this has led us to wonder if Generation X really is smarter than those born in the 60s and 40s. Yes, they do better in many types of IQ tests. Clearly! But how do we know if they are smarter? Assuming that the ability to understand the game of football is something one attains with an IQ of 100 and younger people do better in this test than the older generation, does this mean the youth understand the game better than the older generation? Not necessarily and this is something we have a hard time believing. That would mean that a great-grandfather was mentally challenged when compared to his most recent grandchild. And that is what we have a hard time believing. Or that the number of amazing discoveries and revolutionary performances increased dramatically with every new generation that has grown up. No, we can't possible agree with this, can we? Despite this improvement, as much as 7 IQ points in 10 years in some tests (!), Such as the "king of aptitude tests" - Ravens matrices. Why, why, why are scientists debating this? All sorts of explanations are put forward, ranging from nutrient rich food for Question wiser parents, but no explanation seems credible. However, a theory that does offers a level of credence to the argument is the fact that Generation X has grown up with video games, which has helped stimulate thinking. These consist of quick problem solving events and visual decoding with lightning speed. Could playing video games be deemed healthy? Yes, it's something for parents of Baby Boomers to mull over.

Sara Henrysson Eidvall, head psychologist for Mensa International

Originally published at Generationen.se, a site initiated by the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise to change the public perception of youth from unwilling career victims to a fantastic resource for Sweden's competitive force in the global market.