Identifying the Onset and Magnitude of Prediction From Early Cognitive Skills to Adult Socioeconomic Outcomes

The goal of this study was to identify the onset and magnitude of prediction of early cognition to adult socioeconomic outcomes. Specifically, we were interested in examining which cognitive skills measured at 15, 24, 36, and 54 months predict educational attainment and salary at age 26. Data (N = 1364, 52% male) included a diverse sample (76% White; 13% Black; 6% Hispanic; 5% other; 21% had incomes no greater than 200% of the poverty level). Results indicated that a relatively large change in explained variance in educational attainment by cognitive skills occurs between 15 and 36 months, with less pronounced associations for salary at age 26. These findings have implications for developmental theory, and potentially, for identifying targets for intervention efforts.