INTERPERSONAL CORRELATES OF DIFFERENTIAL ABILITIES

Findings support the conclusions that discrepant verbal ability is associated with continued and somewhat conflictful dependency on adults and lowered social interaction with peers, whereas numerical ability is related to assertiveness, interpersonal competence, and a more appropriate level of dependency.

Abstract

This study explores the interpersonal correlates of differential patterns of cognitive ability. From an initial population of 1,200 fifth-grade children, 126 Ss with discrepancies between verbal, space, and number ability were selected for study. Interpersonal characteristics were assessed by self-report questionnaires and peer ratings. Findings support the conclusions that discrepant verbal ability is associated with continued and somewhat conflictful dependency on adults and lowered social interaction with peers, whereas numerical ability is related to assertiveness, interpersonal competence, and a more appropriate level of dependency. High space ability, when associated with low verbal or number skills, was related to sex-inappropriate patterns of behavior (passivity in boys and aggressiveness in girls).