A Comparative Study of Achieving and Underachieving Students of High Intellectual Ability

Comparison of 76 matched pairs of achieving and underachieving students of high intellectual ability showed that the fathers of the achievers had comparatively higher levels of education, higher occupational status, higher family incomes, better lodgings, smaller families, and a more stimulating cultural atmosphere in their homes. A larger proportion of the achievers expected to continue their studies, had some plans for a future occupation, and had higher occupational expectations.