Narrow cognitive strengths can rival IQ in predicting socioeconomic success
A large study using two US national samples and the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery finds that specific cognitive abilities (tech, speed, math-verbal) predict income, education, and job prestige about 30–57% as strongly as general intelligence, with effects persisting among siblings and varying by age and sex. The results suggest educational guidance should consider individual cognitive profiles beyond IQ, though the study cannot establish causation.