This is a group assignment for course MGT 4110 (Organizational Behavior). We are needed to make the case analysis on the case incident: Levitating IQs (Chapter 2, page 94).

1. KULIYYAH OF ECONOMICS AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCES
ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR
(MGT 4110)
GROUP CASE ANALYSIS AND PRESENTATION
CASE INCIDENT: LEVITATING IQS (Chap. 2, p. 94)
LECTURER’S NAME:
DR. ARIF HASSAN
SESSION:
SEMESTER 2, 2015/2016
SECTION: 6
MEMBER’S NAME:
NAME MATRIC NO.
NUR AMALINA BT ABDUL RAHIM 1324614
FARAH DIYANA BT ABD RAHIM 1326746
HAGIR OMER ABDALLA MOHAMED 1425634
NOR SALINAH BT MOHD IBRAHIM 1127130
AFIFAH NABILAH BT MOHAMAD SAFEI 1321976
SUBMISSION DATE:
26th
APRIL 2016

2. SUMMARY
The fundamental amount of intellectual ability is inherited. James Flynn, a well-
trained political philosopher, also a researcher from New Zealand reported his results of study
about the rising of the intelligence test scores in 1984. He found that majority individuals who
took IQ test in 1970s did better than those who did in 1940s.This findings created the “Flynn
effect”. Flynn also said that though the scores were rising, it is probably better to say we are
“more modern” than “smarter”. He also reported that we are not getting better at everything.
Modern mind only takes a scientific approach to problems, with abstract classification,
logic and imaginative hypothetical reasoning. However, the prescientific mind was utilitarian,
focuses on the uses of things. Flynn reports ability in solving puzzles, identifying similarities,
processing the non-verbal symbols and visual images has increased but overtook our ability in
calculating arithmetic. Besides that, Flynn effect was tested in some less-developed countries
as well and it became valid. On the whole, verbal intelligence increases until middle age then
reduces gradually. However, it differs depending on individuals.
In spite of powerful heritability of IQ, researchers continue to pursue techniques that
might raise IQ scores, essential among them the pursuit of finer educational systems for youth
and adult alike. Moreover, regular physical exercises and brain exercises (even videogames)
seem to boost brain power, at least for short-term. On the other hand, other research in
neuroscience found it difficult in pinpointing physical techniques that can boost IQ, although
researchers proposed that focusing on brain chemicals like dopamine may lead to drugs
eventually.

3. ANSWERS TO THE CASE QUESTIONS
1) Do you believe people are getting smarter? Why or why not?
We believe that people are getting more modern with the change of generations over time
but not necessary smarter. According to Flynn, the modern mind takes a scientific approach to
problems with abstract clarification, logic and imaginative hypothetical reasoning, this study
according to Flynn has effect on rising only our ability to solve puzzles and identify
similarities but not our ability to calculate arithmetic. And this is due to the modern world we
live in today.
2) How do you reconcile Flynn’s recent description of the modern mind with the
General Society Survey’s findings that U.S. adults perform poorly on scientific
questions and aren’t knowledgeable about scientific method?
As Flynn reported, modernity effects only by rising the ability to solve problems, do
puzzles, identify similarities and process nonverbal symbols and visual images. But not rising
the ability to calculate arithmetic. Flynn statement does not have to do with something related
to scientific questions or the knowledge of science. What Flynn tried to say is people of the
newer generations are having a modern mind through implementing the scientific the
scientific approach to solve the problems using the abstract classification, logic and
imaginative hypothetical reasoning. Meaning to say here is people of the newer generation
tend to understand and solve the problems through the scientific method without even
realizing that they are using the scientific method and approach. Of course it is not necessary
for them to know all of those scientific methods unless they learn about it. The ways they are
thinking are using the scientific approach perhaps due to the modern situation compared to the
older generation where their mind is utilitarian.

4. 3) Given that the Flynn effect has been tested and found valid throughout time, and
across countries, would you still consider intelligence an inherited trait?
Yes. Intelligence can still be considered as an inherited trait even though the Flynn effect
is valid. This is because Flynn effect does not testify that the people of the newer generation
are smarter than the previous generation but it said that they are more modern than before.
Having to say this, the intelligence that the newer generation have may be inherited from the
previous generation. For example, if the our grandparents scored 100 points on the IQ scale
and we scored 115 points, the difference of 15 points may be considered as the result of the
Flynn effect while the 100 points are actually inherited from the grandparents. So, yes, the
intelligence can still be an inherited trait even though the Flynn effect is there.
LESSONS LEARNED
Based on the case study, we found that human's ability of intelligence was reported to
be not permanent throughout one's life. The study on this particular issue proved that people's
IQ tends to decline starting from their middle age but at different rates. Either it is strong or
slow decline, the ability believed to be inherited from the older generation is only for
temporary period of time. Therefore, we learn that mankind utilize his/her ability not for them
to be proud of or showing off to others especially with the intention to look down on them
whom less in intelligence. By realizing the fact that we are only human being or creatures of
God, the all gifts given would not last forever, one must contribute to the society by using the
idea and skill he/she has instead of merely personal interest.
The second thing we manage to observe throughout the whole case study is that people
nowadays assumed to be more modern instead of smatter compared to the previous generation
many decades ago. The statement by researcher, Flynn mentioned that currently people is

5. depending more on scientific approach to solve problems, and we think it may due to the
technology advances exposed to us. Therefore, we agree that is one of the reasons people
today mostly less critical and independence especially the teenager group. So, it is important
for the generation and becoming generations to train the brain in order to increase the power
either by physical exercises as well as brain exercises which even tough by playing
videogame consistently.
Apart from that, in terms of workforce within business organization, all of us learned
that whether people is high or less in the intelligence ability, it cannot become the milestone
for the management to assume the higher intelligent person would contribute more in
performing task. Because of that an organization should practice a proper diversity
management whereby it takes into account the recognition of disabilities and must avoid the
discrimination to these people as they can work together with those who own the ability and
perform well with diversity. According to the research by Flynn, mostly people these days
tend to have changes in mental process instead of educational opportunities and that
contributes to the higher scores of IQ test undertaken. He also mentioned that the ability
increases in terms of solving puzzles, identify similarities, and process nonverbal symbols and
visual images rather than the ability of calculating arithmetic.
ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE
Allah has given each of us certain abilities and capabilities that are to be used to serve
Him by serving His creation, for as so much as we serve and contribute to human welfare we
glorify Allah. One thing we must understand, however, is how we define such words as
'greatness', or 'extraordinary'. During our times, we may think a genius has to go to Harvard
and become a great scientist or become famous in some special skill or trade. However, in the
eyes of Allah, greatness can only be defined according to our piety. If we are endowed with

6. certain gifts, and we use those gifts to serve Allah, then they truly are great. However, if we
use them merely to obtain fame and fortune, then they are our means of self-destruction. It is
not so much the gift, therefore, but rather how we use it and what we do with it, i.e. the
intention with which it is used.
In a time past, the greatest talents in the Muslim world became scholars of all kinds
and ended up spending their lives in the service of Allah. These are the people that we read
about from centuries ago. These geniuses used their tremendous skills and talents in the way
of scholarship, science, the arts and humanities to serve the Muslims and humanity as a
whole. It was their dedication to Allah, i.e. their piety and noble character that defined their
greatness. The modern age has very different definitions of greatness, and it often has to do
with how famous one is and how much money one make. This is not how Islam defines
greatness, however.
However what is important is your actions and belief. If one is not gifted but tries
harder than by Allah he will receive more of a reward. Some of the matters which you
mentioned in the question may be a gift from Allah who grants it to whomever He wishes
since birth, and they may be acquired by doing some reasons which help achieve that; among
the most important reasons are the following, performing acts of good deeds, as it is a source
for activity and energy; Allah says (what means):
“Whoever does righteousness, whether male or female, while he is a believer— We will surely
cause him to live a good life.” [Quran 16:97]
Moreover, it is reported that Ibn „Abbaas may Allah be pleased with him said:
"Indeed, a good deed has brightness on the face, a light in the heart, strength in the body,
abundance in sustenance and a love in the hearts of the people."

7. Next is staying away from sins because committing sins may be a reason for
discouraging one‟s determination and dimming his perception; Allah says (what means):
“No! Rather, the stain has covered their hearts of that which they were earning.”[Quran
83:14]
The remainder of the aforementioned statement of Ibn „Abbaas may Allah be pleased with
him reads:
“And indeed a bad deed has blackness on the face, darkness in the heart, a weakness in the
body, a scarcity of sustenance and hatred in the heart of the people.”
In addition, being determined, not hesitating and having the courage of doing what is
beneficial; are among the important elements.
The capacity of memory in the brain to store, process and recall information is truly a
wondrous blessing of Allah. We use our memory to gain beneficial knowledge; we also use
our memory to recall the mistakes we‟ve made in the past and learn from them to become
better. The following are some tips to strengthen your memory, first is, healthy Body for a
Healthy Mind. Physical exercises, especially aerobic ones, are beneficial to keep the mind
alert and healthy. If you can‟t do aerobic exercises, the good news is that a moderate amount
of walking on daily basis can keep the mind healthy too. Indeed, walking for most people is
pretty easy to maintain as a regular activity (even taking the stairs instead of the elevator
exercises your body).
The next one is about resting. Taking a nap improves memory and mood, promotes
physical well-being, and sharpen senses. Napping has many benefits so taking a 15-30 minute
before or after Zuhr should significantly affect your intellectual performance, energy level,
and plus – it‟s sunnah! Moreover, try to get an Adequate Amount of Sleep. Recent German
research lab finds that sleep helps memory shaping. Sleep is needed to clear the brain‟s short-

8. term memory storage and create space for new information. Sleep and night time is yet
another mercy and blessing from Allah, The Most Generous:
”It is out of His Mercy that He has put for you night and day, that you may rest therein (i.e.
during the night) and that you may seek of His Bounty (i.e. during the day), and in order that
you may be grateful.” [28: 73]
Last but not least is asking for it. If you want a good memory, ask Al-Mujib (The
Answerer of Prayers). Ask Allah S.W.T for what you need – beneficial knowledge,
understanding, and good memory. Our memory is indeed a true blessing of Allah, and we
should be grateful for it. To show our appreciation, let us keep it healthy and use it for
beneficial purposes that lead us to get closer to Allah, The Most Merciful.