Nature Versus Nurture In The Development Of Cognitive Skills

However, these genetic findings should not signal the end of the world for those who think they do not have the favorable combination of genes. The British study also found that some pairs of twins who shared genes and grew up in the same family had different cognitive abilities. So it is evident that their learning environments had a major role to play in shaping their skills. Scientists have repeatedly pointed out that cognitive development is a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. In this respect, nature is not at odds with nurture.

For instance, a kid whose genes give him mathematical prowess will also probably enjoy working with numbers. It is likely that he will spend more time working on sums than someone who doesn't have similar mathematical skills. The more he works with numbers, the sharper will be his mathematical processing skills. Similarly, a teacher who has an engaging style of teaching may whet interest in literature in a student and help him discover the joys of reading. The more a person reads, the more he develops his reading skills.

The findings just mean that parents and teachers may have to try a little harder to help some kids catch up with their genetically-endowed peers.

The Broader Implications of the Correlation Between Reading and Mathematical Abilities

Before the Generalist Genes were discovered, many scientists believed there are only a few powerful gene variants that influence cognitive abilities. They are not so sure now because the aforementioned studies did not uncover any such specific set. Instead, these studies pointed to the existence of the Generalist Genes that influence multiple cognitive capabilities like reading and mathematical skills. The studies found that thousands of minute alterations in the genetic makeup of individuals go on to determine their performances on these specific subjects and on the broader cognitive scale.

These studies, however, contain broader implications than just correlating reading and mathematical skills. Firstly, the evidence of genetic influence on cognitive abilities should sensitize parents and teachers to the inherent differences in children. They should respect these differences and help kids overcome their shortcomings instead of chiding or discriminating them.

Secondly, the role of the Generalist Genes in determining learning abilities has critical pointers for scientists who are keen to investigate the etiology of learning disabilities. These findings should encourage them to explore and develop genetically-tailored treatment methods to help people overcome these challenges.

Lastly, the evidence of correlation between genetic and environmental factors should encourage researchers, psychologists, and learning professionals to find out how they can create learning environments that suit the cognitive capabilities of learners and help them develop their learning skills.

See Also: Get Better at Math by Disrupting Your Brain

There is a widespread belief that geniuses are born. The evidence of the correlation between reading and mathematical abilities and the role of Generalist Genes suggest that this statement is partially true. But the findings from the same studies indicate that geniuses can also be made. Scientists are now busy at cracking how we learn and what goes on inside our brains when we learn. Finding a correlation between reading and mathematical abilities is a step in the right direction to make learning more effective and engaging.