The correlation between reading and mathematics ability at age twelve has a substantial genetic component.

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Davis, O.S.P.; Band, G.; Pirinen, M.; Haworth, C.M.A.; Meaburn, E.L.; Kovas, Yulia and et, al.. 2014. The correlation between reading and mathematics ability at age twelve has a substantial genetic component. Nature Communications, 5(4204), pp. 1-6. ISSN 2041-1723 [Article]

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Official URL: https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms5204

Abstract or Description

Dissecting how genetic and environmental influences impact on learning is helpful for maximizing numeracy and literacy. Here we show, using twin and genome-wide analysis, that there is a substantial genetic component to children’s ability in reading and mathematics, and estimate that around one half of the observed correlation in these traits is due to shared genetic effects (so-called Generalist Genes). Thus, our results highlight the potential role of the learning environment in contributing to differences in a child’s cognitive abilities at age twelve.

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Article

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https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms5204