Firstborns are smart, but younger siblings work harder

Author: Madison Park

Publication name: CNN.com

Date of publication: August 16, 2010

Summary: In a recent study of ninety diverse pairs of siblings by the American Psychological Association, it was found that firstborns scored better on aptitude tests (e.g. SATs, ACTs) but younger siblings worked harder and get higher grade point averages.

The siblings answered questions about their own and their sibling's work ethic and general intelligence, as well as academic performance. They generally agreed that the younger siblings work harder. However, all subjects thought that they were the more naturally gifted of their pair.

A reason given for the eldest sibling scoring higher on aptitude tests is that they were given more one-on-one attention when they were younger. Since they were only children, at least for a short while, they received more homework and schoolwork help from their parents and older family members.

The higher grade point averages of younger siblings are explained by the competitiveness and pressure condoned by family dynamics. Younger siblings normally feel the need to do better than their older brother or sister. This leads to the extra effort put forth by them.

I think that this study shows accurate findings. In the case of my sister and me, I have always been the one that is “naturally smart” while my sister works harder because she is more competitive and has always been around people who have expressed such pride over my grades. The drive to outwit and outperform me has translated into Caitlin’s better grade point average. In sibling groups, the older brother or sister does better on general skill tests while younger siblings are harder working and have better GPAs.

Links to study: none

Links to article: http://pagingdrgupta.blogs.cnn.com/2010/08/16/firstborns-smart-but-younger-siblings-work-harder/?iref=obinsite

Submitted by Courtney Caglia-Hilty