The ability to delay gratification is a better predictor of academic success in elementary school than is IQ.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This statement is supported by research, particularly the famous "marshmallow test" study conducted by Walter Mischel in the 1960s and 1970s. In this study, children who were able to delay gratification by not immediately eating a marshmallow or other treat in front of them in order to receive a greater reward later on (such as two marshmallows instead of one) were found to have better academic and life outcomes in the years to come than those who could not delay gratification. This suggests that the ability to practice self-control and delay rewards is an important trait for success, perhaps even more so than one's IQ score.

The Ability to Delay Gratification Is a Better Predictor of Academic