Is Math Success Determined by Genetics or Effort?

[avant-garde]

Sure they say that if you love what you're doing, you will excel at it. But how well does that apply to math/computer related fields? From my personal observations, I have noticed that math depends more on IQ/genes for success than any other subject.

That's a strong correlation, but certainly not causal. It just seems that certain people seem to "catch on" quickly to mathematical concepts, even if they are not motivated at all. Others really try hard and enjoy math, but fall behind those people who just seem to cruise at this subject.

Other subjects seem to have room for more subjectivity. Is math a subject where pure effort cannot guarantee results? What does current psychological research say about the matter?

 

[bubbles]

No. One cannot be good at math unless he is Asian. (just kidding)

Seriously, I think that people tend to like what they're good at, so if you like math, you're probably good at it. People who like something tend to spend more hours doing that thing so they get even better at it.

 

[ZapperZ]

Closed pending moderation.

Zz.