REGIONAL DIFFERENCES IN INTELLIGENCE IN EGYPT: A COUNTRY WHERE UPPER IS LOWER

Area of Science:

• Psychometrics
• Cognitive Psychology
• Sociology

Background:

• The Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM) is a non-verbal test of fluid intelligence.
• Previous research indicates potential regional variations in IQ within Egypt.
• Socioeconomic factors are known to influence cognitive development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare IQ scores from two administrations of the CPM in Egypt.
• To investigate potential regional differences in intelligence between northern and southern Egypt.
• To assess the influence of socioeconomic factors on IQ in different Egyptian regions.

Main Methods:

• Administration of the CPM to a national sample (2011-2013) and a rural northern sample (2017).
• Statistical analysis adjusting for the Flynn Effect (secular increase in IQ scores).
• Comparison of IQ scores between the national average and the rural northern Egyptian sample.

Main Results:

• Rural northern Egyptians scored statistically significantly higher than the national average IQ.
• The observed IQ difference is consistent with regional socioeconomic disparities.
• Evidence suggests a higher average IQ in northern Egypt compared to southern Egypt.

Conclusions:

• Regional socioeconomic differences play a significant role in average IQ variations within Egypt.
• Northern Egypt demonstrates a higher average IQ than southern Egypt, likely due to socioeconomic factors.
• The CPM remains a valuable tool for assessing fluid intelligence across diverse populations.