Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 11, 2026

Using Cholesky Decomposition to Explore Individual Differences in Longitudinal Relations between Reading Skills
Published on: September 17, 2019
Why children differ in motivation to learn: Insights from over 13,000 twins from 6 countries
Yulia Kovas1, Gabrielle Garon-Carrier2, Michel Boivin3
1Laboratory for Cognitive Investigations and Behavioral Genetics, Tomsk State University, Russia ; Goldsmiths, University of London, London, UK ; King's College London, MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, UK ; Psychological Institute, Russian Academy of Education, Moscow, Russia.
Abstract:
Little is known about why people differ in their levels of academic motivation. This study explored the etiology of individual differences in enjoyment and self-perceived ability for several school subjects in nearly 13,000 twins aged 9-16 from 6 countries. The results showed a striking consistency across ages, school subjects, and cultures. Contrary to common belief, enjoyment of learning and children's perceptions of their competence were no less heritable than cognitive ability. Genetic factors explained approximately 40% of the variance and all of the observed twins' similarity in academic motivation. Shared environmental factors, such as home or classroom, did not contribute to the twin's similarity in academic motivation. Environmental influences stemmed entirely from individual specific experiences.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Behavioral Genetics and Its Designs
The primary methodologies used in behavior genetics include family studies, twin studies, and adoption studies, each providing unique...
Biological Influences on Intelligence
Nature and Nurture
Theory of Attribution II: Kelley's Covariation Theory
Environmental Influences on Intelligence
Heritability

