The Battle Between Book Smarts and Street Smarts: Lessons from the Flynn Effect and Political Missteps
How Rising IQ Scores and Practical Wisdom Shape Our Understanding of Misinformation and Effective Communication
For the first time in a while, I saw someone use an Argument from Authority to win a debate. They were discussing COVID-19 vaccines, science, and why you should believe science. I did not engage, but I wanted to ask if they meant scientists, not science and if they thought all scientists believed the same. As you can imagine, I didn't.
I was tempted to point them to a piece I wrote a few years ago about why 'smarter' people believe 'fake news' more, but as you might guess, I didn't.
Instead, I suggested reading chapter two of David Epstein's "Range." In this chapter, he discusses the Flynn Effect, more specifically, its implications for why the best-educated people often lack common sense, or as James Flynn put it, "the traits that earn good grades at the university do not include the critical ability of any broad significance."
The Flynn Effect: An Overview
The Flynn Effect refers to the observed rise in IQ scores over the past century, a phenomenon extensively studied by James Flynn. It highlights that average IQ scores have increased by about three points per decade. This trend can be attributed to various factors, including improved nutrition, enhanced education systems, and more stimulating environments due to technological advancements.
Expanding on the idea of the environment people grew up in, it is believed that those raised with a modern, Western way of thinking and reasoning do better at solving abstract problems than people who are not accustomed to thinking in abstract terms or who have been educated out of it. People with very specialized vertical skills often struggle to apply those skills outside their specific area of expertise. Understanding the Flynn Effect is crucial for educators, policymakers, and psychologists as it provides insights into how societal changes impact cognitive development.
The Flynn Effect and Misinformation
The significance of the Flynn Effect extends to how we perceive and process information, especially in the context of misinformation. As cognitive abilities improve, individuals are generally better equipped to critically analyze information and detect falsehoods. However, the rise in IQ does not necessarily equate to better judgment or immunity to cognitive biases. Higher intelligence can sometimes lead to more sophisticated rationalizations for incorrect beliefs, making it essential to pair cognitive development with critical thinking and media literacy skills.
In the age of rapid information dissemination, understanding the Flynn Effect becomes vital in combating misinformation. The ability to critically evaluate sources and content is paramount, and while higher IQ scores may suggest improved cognitive capabilities, they do not guarantee an individual's resilience against misinformation. By acknowledging the Flynn Effect and its implications, we can better design educational programs that emphasize critical thinking, encouraging a more discerning approach to the vast array of information encountered daily. This dual focus on cognitive development and critical literacy is essential in fostering a well-informed and rational society.
Street Smarts Over Book Smarts
Street smarts, often called practical intelligence, encompass skills like problem-solving in real-world contexts, adaptability, social understanding, and the ability to read situations effectively. While the Flynn Effect highlights the rise in cognitive intelligence measured through IQ tests, street smarts represent a different, yet equally crucial, dimension of intelligence.
For instance, someone with high cognitive intelligence may be adept at analyzing data and recognizing patterns. Still, street smarts involve effectively communicating their findings, persuading others, and navigating the nuances of real-world situations. This blend of cognitive and practical intelligence is essential for making informed decisions and discerning credible information from misinformation.
In the context of misinformation, the cognitive gains from the Flynn Effect and the practical wisdom of street smarts are necessary. Higher IQ scores can improve one's ability to critically analyze information and detect inconsistencies. Still, street smarts enable individuals to apply this analysis in everyday interactions, social media engagement, and real-life decision-making. Street smarts help people recognize the motives behind misinformation, understand the social dynamics at play, and effectively counteract false narratives. By integrating the insights from the Flynn Effect with the practical skills of street smarts, individuals can better navigate the complexities of the modern information landscape, making them more resilient against misinformation.
Why 'Deplorables' Was Poor Street Smarts
Hillary Clinton's "deplorables" comment during the 2016 presidential campaign is an illustrative example of the tension between book smarts and street smarts in political communication and public relations. The incident underscores how theoretical knowledge and intellectual understanding (book smarts) can sometimes fall short in practical, real-world applications requiring empathy, social awareness, and nuanced communication (street smarts).
Book smarts refer to formal education and intellectual knowledge, which Clinton undoubtedly possesses in abundance. Her extensive background in law, politics, and policy gave her a deep understanding of complex issues and the technical aspects of governance. However, this academic and professional intelligence could have translated more effectively into the street smarts needed to connect with a broad and diverse electorate. Street smarts encompass the ability to navigate social situations, understand public sentiment, and communicate in a way that resonates with everyday people.
Clinton's "deplorables" comment, while intellectually coherent in its attempt to call out unacceptable behaviors and attitudes, lacked the practical wisdom required to foresee its impact on public perception. The remark demonstrated a disconnect from many voters' lived experiences and feelings. Those with solid street smarts would likely have anticipated the backlash, understanding that such a sweeping generalization would be perceived as elitist and disrespectful, further alienating an already divided electorate. The fallout from the comment highlighted the importance of balancing book smarts with street smarts in politics.
Balance is Always the Answer
Of course, the answer is always balance. The challenge for some is that accepting the need for balance means they must let go of the comfort of what they think they know. Anyone who has achieved greatness and status in any narrow field risks the impulse to use their prior training over broader thinking. Of course, you may think that anyone who doesn't know what you know is not as bright as you, or that may be a story you are telling yourself.