Ability and outcome are not as directly correlated as one may think. Ability alone is not enough to fabricate success. Plenty of students have tremendous ability, but their outcomes do not match the ability and potential that they possess.
Non-cognitive skills are the bridge between ability and achievement outcomes. Non-cognitive skills determine what, when and how a candidate uses their ability. Numerous studies performed over the last 4 decades have shown that non-cognitive measures are a better predictor of success at both undergraduate or graduate level.
Moreover, ability by itself is not always measured accurately or equitably. Standardized exams such as the SAT, ACT, GMAT and GRE often do not display the full scope of a candidate and their strengths. This systematic flaw is the reason that non cognitives are so important in bridging that gap for underrepresented and minority students, who typically are at a disadvantage when it comes to preparing for said standardized tests.
When a candidate is being evaluated, where they come from and where they are currently is less important than where they are going and who they are working towards becoming. Non-cognitives are the measurement of the latter. Students (and people in general) who possess the right traits such as perseverance, conscientiousness, inclusiveness, self-determination and grit, are the ones whose outcomes will be the highest.
Prominent researchers such as Dr. William Sedlacek - Professor Emeritus of Education at the University of Maryland, College Park, Dr. Carol Dwight - Professor of Psychology at Stanford University and Dr. Angela Duckworth - Professor of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania have found that regardless of the students’ IQ, ability or socioeconomic status, the students who emerged the most successful were the ones with a high level of certain non-cognitive skills.
This is exactly why non cognitive skills are the bridge between ability and outcome and could help a student progress towards their brightest future.
About the author
Ethan Kamen is a senior at Syracuse University majoring in Supply chain and Finance. He is passionate about business development and using data and analytics to make a difference. When he is not working or studying, you can find him watching or playing basketball.
