Accounting for Heritable Influences on Associations Between Home Learning Environments and Children's Cognitive Skills

• In Event: 31.081 - Parents and Families

Abstract

Social science research has consistently demonstrated that home learning environments influence children’s cognitive skill development; however, accounting for heritable characteristics may lead to changes in the observed links between home learning environments and children’s cognitive skills. Utilizing Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 2010-2011 (ECLS-K:2011) data and a genetically sensitive design, this study specifically compares adopted and biological children to account for the influence of heritable characteristics on associations between home learning environments and children’s cognitive skills. We find that associations between home learning environments and children’s cognitive skills do not differ across adopted and biological children, suggesting that relationships between home learning environments and children’s cognitive skills are not influenced by heritable characteristics.

Authors

• Shelby M McNeill, Vanderbilt University

• Kristie J. Rowley, Brigham Young University