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Do early life cognitive ability and self-regulation skills explain socio-economic inequalities in academic achievement? An effect decomposition analysis in UK and Australian cohorts

Author

Listed:
  • Pearce, Anna
  • Sawyer, Alyssa C.P.
  • Chittleborough, Catherine R.
  • Mittinty, Murthy N.
  • Law, Catherine
  • Lynch, John W.

Abstract

Socio-economic inequalities in academic achievement emerge early in life and are observed across the globe. Cognitive ability and “non-cognitive” attributes (such as self-regulation) are the focus of many early years’ interventions. Despite this, little research has compared the contributions of early cognitive and self-regulation abilities as separate pathways to inequalities in academic achievement. We examined this in two nationally representative cohorts in the UK (Millennium Cohort Study, n = 11,168; 61% original cohort) and Australia (LSAC, n = 3028; 59% original cohort).

Suggested Citation

  • Pearce, Anna & Sawyer, Alyssa C.P. & Chittleborough, Catherine R. & Mittinty, Murthy N. & Law, Catherine & Lynch, John W., 2016. "Do early life cognitive ability and self-regulation skills explain socio-economic inequalities in academic achievement? An effect decomposition analysis in UK and Australian cohorts," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 165(C), pages 108-118.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:165:y:2016:i:c:p:108-118
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2016.07.016
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Sohn, Byoungduk & Buchanan, Ann & Heo, Kay H. & Lee, Jane J., 2019. "Explanatory effects of young childhood caregiving environment, child’s pro-social behavior, and child self-regulation skills on adolescent problem behavior," Children and Youth Services Review, Elsevier, vol. 100(C), pages 298-303.
    2. Paterson, Molly & Parasnis, Jaai & Rendall, Michelle, 2022. "Gender, Income, and Numeracy Test Scores," CEPR Discussion Papers 16895, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    3. Zhang, Zheyuan & Xu, Hui & Liu, Ruilin & Zhao, Zhong, 2024. "Free Education and the Intergenerational Transmission of Cognitive Skills in Rural China," IZA Discussion Papers 17314, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    4. Paterson, Molly, 2021. "Gender and Disadvantage in the Evolution of Test Score Gaps," Warwick-Monash Economics Student Papers 06, Warwick Monash Economics Student Papers.

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