Questions and Answers
From which book does 'The Matthew Effect' get its name?
The book of Matthew in the Bible Ch. 25 verse 29
What is the first half of the Matthew Effect?
For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance
What is the second half of the Matthew Effect?
Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them.
What does Gladwell conclude about when the majority of players on elite teams were born?
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What does Barnsley and colleagues notice about professional hockey players?
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When is the cut-off date for age-based hockey teams in Canada?
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Why does being born in the first 3 months of the year make such a big difference in athletic abilities of a child?
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Is skill the deciding factor for success in hockey?
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In light of these discoveries of 'relative age', what does Gladwell conclude about the American public school system?
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Which children in the American public school system are more likely to end up in the gifted programs?
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Are passion, talent, and hard work the only three ingredients of success?
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What does Gladwell infer about Scott Wasden's life had he been born later in the year?
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Study Notes
The Matthew Effect
- Named after a verse in the Book of Matthew (Ch. 25, v. 29) from the Bible.
- Reflects the principle that those who start with advantages accumulate even more opportunities and benefits.
First Half of the Matthew Effect
- "For whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance."
- Initial advantages lead to further successes; example: hockey players born in the first quarter of the year.
Second Half of the Matthew Effect
- "Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them."
- Disadvantages compound over time; e.g., children born late in the year may be overlooked for gifted programs.
Birthdates and Elite Teams
- Majority of players on elite hockey teams are born in the first three months of the year.
- Early selection leads to more practice, better coaching, and increased game opportunities.
Observation by Barnsley and Colleagues
- Professional hockey players tend to be born early in the year.
- Early performance assessments create lasting advantages based on age proximity to cutoff dates.
Age Cut-off in Canadian Hockey
- Cut-off date for youth hockey teams is January 1st.
Impact of Birth Month on Athletic Development
- Children born in the first three months are often older and more mature compared to their peers, affecting athletic advantage.
Skill vs. Birthdate in Success
- Success in hockey is influenced more by birthdate than skill level.
Implications for American Public School System
- "Relative age" impacts student competition and assessment in schools, similar to athletic contexts.
- Students born just after cutoff dates face disadvantages in development and opportunities.
Gifted Programs and Cut-off Dates
- Children born closest to school cutoff dates (August 1st for school entry) are more likely to qualify for gifted programs.
Ingredients of Success
- Achievement is not solely based on passion, talent, and hard work.
- Scott Wasden's success could have been hindered if he were born later in the year; his birthday is January 4.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Chapter 1 of 'Outliers' by Malcolm Gladwell with these flashcards. Explore the concept of 'The Matthew Effect' and its implications. Great for students looking to deepen their understanding of this influential text.
