New Study Finds First-Born Children Are Smarter Than Their Siblings

A new study carried out by economists at the University of Edinburgh has concluded that first-borns have a higher IQ test than their siblings, even from the age of one. The study came to the conclusion that first-borns normally out perform their siblings when it comes to thinking skills because they receive more mental stimulation from their parent’s at an earlier age which make sense in the real world – being the only child means everyones undivided attention.

Jenn Richardson

In order to carry out the study the data of more than 5,000 children was examined, from pre-birth right up until the age of 14. Each of the children was assessed every two years on their ability to read, match letters, names and picture vocabulary whilst information on their background was also recorded to take into account environmental factors as well as economic conditions.

Dr Ana Nuevo-Chiquero from the School of Economics said:

“Our results suggest that broad shifts in parental behaviour are a plausible explanation for the observed birth order differences in education and labour market outcomes.”

The study found that as subsequent children were born their parents behaviour would change as they’d offer less mental stimulation to younger sibling and therefore there were less opportunities for them to read, participate or even play musical instruments. So there you have it, if you’re the oldest sibling in your family and have long proclaimed that you’re way smarter than the rest – you may just be onto something!.

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