The Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth (SMPY) is not your average scientific study. With 45 years of research under its belt, SMPY has been tracking the careers and accomplishments of up to 5,000 individuals since their childhood or teenage years. This groundbreaking study, as reported by Nature, has revolutionized the way gifted children are identified and nurtured within the US education system.
But what sets SMPY apart from other longitudinal studies? Well, it just might be the ultimate guide to raising intellectually exceptional children. With hundreds of academic studies to its name, SMPY has become an expert in identifying and developing talent in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
It’s no surprise that many SMPY participants, who are coordinated by Vanderbilt University, have gone on to become high-profile scientists. So, what’s the secret to raising potential geniuses?
Contrary to popular belief, SMPY’s data suggests that intelligence is largely innate and developed during youth. In fact, early cognitive ability has a greater impact on achievement than continued practice or socio-economic status. This finding challenges the traditional approach of prioritizing struggling students over those with exceptional potential.
To identify intellectually gifted children, SMPY relied on standardized testing. Alongside the program at Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Talented Youth, SMPY admitted those who scored in the top 1 percent in university entrance exams.
Notable alumni of SMPY include Mark Zuckerberg, Lady Gaga, Google co-founder Sergey Brin, and pioneering mathematicians Terence Tao and Lenhard Ng. “Whether we like it or not, these people really do control our society,” says Jonathan Wai, a psychologist at the Duke University Talent Identification Program.
However, initiatives like SMPY have faced criticism for potentially neglecting children with slightly less exceptional potential. Some argue that labeling children as “smart” from an early age could hinder their willingness to learn.
It’s important to note that there is no single factor that guarantees a child will become the next Richard Feynman or Rosalind Franklin. Studies exploring the influences of nature versus nurture suggest that both genetics and upbringing play a role.
Research indicates that parental love and support during the pre-school years significantly boost a child’s brain growth rate. Additionally, engaging in complex tasks that gradually increase in difficulty enhances neural connectivity and mental flexibility.
Interestingly, various computer games are structured in a way that promotes these cognitive benefits. Evidence suggests that occasional virtual roaming, puzzle solving, and competitive combat in video games can improve cognitive functions later in life. Learning to play a musical instrument and regularly reading books also offer neurological benefits for both children and adults.
[H/T: Nature]
