Genomic ancestry, cognitive ability and parental social status

Self-identified race/ethnicity (SIRE) groups are well known to differ in average cognitive ability, socioeconomic status and genomic ancestry, but the causal paths are disputed. We used data from the PING dataset (n ≈ 1,500... [ view full abstract ]

Self-identified race/ethnicity (SIRE) groups are well known to differ in average cognitive ability, socioeconomic status and genomic ancestry, but the causal paths are disputed. We used data from the PING dataset (n ≈ 1,500 children) to examine the relationship between cognitive ability, socioeconomic outcomes and genomic ancestry. In regression models using 4 different codings of SIRE as a covariate, we found non-trivial relationships between genomic ancestry and outcomes, especially for African and Amerindian ancestry (median betas -.40 and -.17, respectively). These relationships were reduced but held when parental socioeconomic status was controlled for. Results are congruent with genetic models of group differences and incompatible with most but not all non-genetic models.

Preprint, study materials: https://osf.io/z8dy5/