Does Success in School Differ From the Real World Success ?

The new study finds the abilities required for success in school are similar to those required for success in the workplace.
The idea that one’s cognitive abilities predict success in the academic world and professional world has been controversial. Many people believe what is needed for job success is different than what is need for academic success. Scientists from the University of Illinois tested whether abilities related to performance in the academic world overlap with abilities needed in the workplace.

For the research, investigators analyzed 127 studies involving more than 20,000 participants. To do this, they focused on studies that included the Miller Analogies Test. The MAT has been used for admission to graduate school and also for hiring and promotion purposes in the workplace.

Specialists found the MAT was valid for predicting performance in both academic and work environments. They say this provides direct evidence that general cognitive ability is related to success in multiple areas of life. Specifically researchers report the MAT was a valid predictor of seven of the eight measures of graduate student performance, five of the six school to work transition performance criteria, and four of the work performance criteria.

Researchers say when they looked at academic and job place performance, Both situations involve learning and contain complex or practical tasks, and performance in both situations is partially determined by previously acquired levels of knowledge and skill.