The Influence Of Genes On Reading And Mathematical Abilities

Don't scold your kid if he can't seem to wrap his wits around formulas and equations. He may be trying his best, but it is likely his genes are getting in his way. According to research, mathematical abilities in people are genetically determined. And would you believe that the same set of genes also influences reading abilities and language skills in people? Now that explains why all those class toppers are wizards with words and also uncannily good at number crunching. Scientists call these Generalist Genes, and these have a hand in determining learning abilities in people.

The Role of Generalist Genes in Determining Learning Abilities

Scientists have for long wanted to decipher the factors behind the difference in learning abilities between people. People always believed that certain abilities and talents come from nature, especially when it comes to real geniuses. Learning may help to develop these talents further, or develop them in certain degree in people without the right genetic predisposition, but there are some limits on what can be achieved through the learning alone.

Scientists have finally cracked the code behind our learning abilities with the discovery of a set of Generalist Genes that influence most of our cognitive abilities and disabilities. In this context, it is worth clarifying that the influence of Generalist Genes indicates a complex interplay of multiple genes vis-à-vis abnormalities in a single gene that may cause disorders like Down syndrome.

These landmark findings were the result of extensive studies carried out on identical and fraternal twins. According to these studies, these genes not only influence learning abilities like reading and doing mathematics but also determine other cognitive capabilities like how well a person can memorize and his/her level of spatial intelligence (Kovas & Plomin, 2007). This explains why intelligent people seem to be able to process diverse pieces of information and comprehend a multitude of subjects so effortlessly.

However, the researchers who stumbled onto these findings warn that the presence of Generalist Genes does not negate the influence of learning environments on cognitive development. Factors like home life and the environment in school contribute in equal measure in determining learning abilities. Generalist genes only determine how easy or difficult it is for a child to learn a subject. But the obvious consequence of this discovery is that some children are genetically predisposed to learn faster than others.

A Head for Numbers and a Way With Words

A British study on close to 3,000 identical and fraternal twins and groups of unrelated children, all aged 12 years, found that about half of the genes that influence reading ability also have a hand in determining mathematical skills. The children were tested for reading comprehension and fluency and were given mathematical problems to solve. The results from these standardized tests were then mapped with their DNA information to arrive at the findings.

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Although these two cognitive abilities seem to be quite divergent in nature, it has been empirically proven that those who have a head for numbers will most likely have a way with words too. The findings from the study also hint at the heritability of reading and mathematical skills.

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.

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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.