2010/03/01 by Robert M. Hauser · 1 citation
Psychology · Social Sciences · Economics, Econometrics and Finance · Medicine · #Cognitive Abilities and Testing #Intergenerational and Educational Inequality Studies #Labor market dynamics and wage inequality #Psychology #Cognition #Educational attainment #Earnings #Developmental psychology #Life course approach #Cognitive skill #Longitudinal study #Intelligence quotient #Medicine
paper · doi:10.3102/0013189x10363171
openalex publication_date 2010/03/01 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01
Research on variation in cognitive abilities has focused largely on their genetic or experiential sources and on their economic consequences. This article takes a broader look at the consequences of cognitive ability-IQ-across the life course. Contrary to received wisdom, the effects of IQ on economic success are almost entirely mediated by educational attainment. Among persons with equal levels of schooling, IQ has little influence on job performance, occupational standing, earnings, or wealth. But there are other, sometimes surprising consequences of IQ throughout adult life. The long-term correlates of adolescent cognition include drinking behavior, survey participation, Internet use, and the timing of menopause. These are surveyed primarily using findings from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study.