Cognitive and non-cognitive factors as predictors of academic performance

Abstract

Attempts have been made to predict academic performance (AP) from different factors, but in most cases it has been done with one measure or by combining two. We propose a study in which as predictors of AP we use: intelligence, estimated based on six factors (Gf, Gc, Gv, Gs, Gsm and Gy), general factor of personality, motivation (intrinsic, achievement and fear of failure), emotional intelligence, study skills, and psychopathology (anxiety, depression and stress). We evaluated 603 primary and secondary school students aged 12.88 (SD = 1.47), 47.6 % female. Results coming from structural equation modeling indicate that AP in primary school is explained by g (β = 0.40), Gf (β = 0.24), psychopathology (β = −0.17) and personality (β = 0.86) (Goodness of fit: GFI = 0,983, NFI = 0,916, SRMR = 0,089); and in secondary school by g (β = 0.64), Gs (β = 0.29) and personality (β = 0.68) (Goodness of fit: GFI = 0.990, NFI = 0.884, SRMR = 0.098). The results coincide with previous studies, with small discrepancies that may be due to the use of multiple predictors of AP. In conclusion, cognitive factors appear to be the best predictor of AP in primary and secondary school.