Conscientiousness Is the Most Powerful Noncognitive Predictor of School Achievement in Adolescents

Abstract

Abstract. Much research has demonstrated that intelligence and conscientiousness have a high impact on individual school achievement. To figure out if other noncognitive traits have incremental validity over intelligence and conscientiousness, we conducted a study on 498 eighth-grade students from general secondary schools in Austria. Hierarchical regressions for three criteria (GPA, science, and languages) were performed, including intelligence, the Big Five, self-discipline, grit, self-efficacy, intrinsic-extrinsic motivation, and test anxiety. Intelligence and conscientiousness alone accounted for approximately 40% in the variance of school achievement. For languages and GPA, no other personality and motivational predictors could explain additional variance; in science subjects, only self-discipline added incremental variance. We conclude that – in addition to intelligence as powerful cognitive predictor – conscientiousness is the crucial noncognitive predictor for school achievement and should be focused on when supporting students in improving their performance.

Examining the relationship between grit and academic achievement within K‐12 and higher education: A systematic review

“…Among 54 studies that examined the effect of overall grit on students' academic achievement, more than half ( 2009;Duckworth et al, 2007;Dumfart & Neubauer, 2016;Farroll, 2016;Hill, 2016;Huang & Zhu, 2017;B. C. Lee, 2017;Lee & Sohn, 2017;Li et al, 2018;Lin & Chang, 2017;Mason, 2018;Muenks et al, 2017;Sheehan, 2014;Strayhorn, 2014;Tovar-García, 2017;Wang et al, 2017;Williams, 2017), whereas one study reported a significant negative result (Climer, 2017).…”

Same Same, but Different? Relations between Facets of Conscientiousness and Grit

“…We are aware of only two studies that used broader measures of conscientiousness (Dumfart & Neubauer, 2016;MacCann & Roberts, 2010). Only MacCann and Roberts (2010) took a closer look at the relationships between the facets of conscientiousness and grit scores.…”

Grit, Growth Mindset, and Deliberate Practice in Online Learning

“…Although previous research indicated grit a predictor of achievement in areas of academia, military, and the workplace, it is important to note indicator of overall success (Bazelais, Lemay, & Doleck, 2016;Dumfart & Neubauer, 2016;Ivcevic & Brackett, 2014). Dumfart and Neubauer (2016) conducted a study of 498 eighth graders to determine if noncognitive traits had incremental validity over cognitive skill and conscientiousness.…”

“…Dumfart and Neubauer (2016) conducted a study of 498 eighth graders to determine if noncognitive traits had incremental validity over cognitive skill and conscientiousness. Results indicated adolescents high in grit performed slightly better in academics, but conscientiousness was the more important factor, of which grit is one component.…”