Is your brain power governed by your genes? In his latest tour de force, James R. Flynn famous for discovering the continued yearafteryear increase of IQ scores throughout the world, which is now referred to as ‘the Flynn effect’ – reveals a revolutionary new method for estimating the effects of family on intelligence levels. Drawing on a wealth of untapped data over the last 50 years, Flynn shows that family environment can have a major impact on cognitive abilities. Tackling the nature vs. nurture debate head on, and banishing the traditional view that by the age of 17 our intelligence is solely determined by our genes, Flynn argues that intelligence is also affected by human autonomy – and that, genetics and family notwithstanding, we all have the capacity to choose to enhance our own IQ.

Does Your Family Make You Smarter? is out now

Order your copy at www.cambridge.org/doesyourfamilymakeyousmarter