Brain drain in Syria's ancient capital: No Flynn Effect in Damascus, 2004–2013/14

Abstract

The results of two administrations of the SPM to two samples of Damascus school children aged 13 to 18 are compared. It is shown that average SPM scores did not change statistically significantly between 2004 and 2013/14. In light of Flynn Effects in other developing countries, it is suggested that the brain drain caused by the on-going civil war in Syria – and around Damascus specifically – would substantially explain this finding. In addition, it is shown that in both samples intelligence declines from late adolescence, a phenomenon which has been observed in other Arab countries.