The Role of Non-Cognitive Factors in Student Outcomes

Introduction: The majority of literature which studies success in college and the workforce focuses on the importance of cognitive skills. The higher one’s IQ, SAT scores, and high school GPA, the higher the likelihood of success in college and the higher one’s earning potential following college. Given that assumption, if schools commit to improving student outcomes in these cognitive measures, one can vastly improve the quality of life for students as they become young adults. A growing number of psychologists and educators, however, have challenged this notion, and have instead focused on non-cognitive attributes and their impact on success in college and the workforce.