Factors Influencing Success or Underachievement of the Able Child

The aim of this research is to look for reasons for success or underachievement in able children aged between 9 and 11. Those who have a considerable influence on a child during the primary years are teachers and parents and this research explores these relationships.

The participants were selected from three schools within the state sector which represented different aspects of the social spectrum. The children were divided into achievers and underachievers.

Quantitative and qualitative methods have been used for this study and this paper reports on the quantitative analysis. A number of issues are considered including the marital status of parents, handwriting, self-concept and gender. Cognitive style and the possible dissonance between pupil and teacher are also discussed.