you’re able to achieve anything if you put your idea to it , they say . But as it turn out , that does n’t apply to becoming a chess grandmaster .
Anew studyreported in the journalIntelligencesuggests that cognitive ability is one of the main factors that enable people to become good chess players . That might sound somewhat obvious , but psychologists have long argue the role of skill versus fundamental intelligence , much like the wider “ nature versus nurture ” public debate . This raw research could be a key pawn in that discussion .
The investigator from Michigan State University carry out a meta - analytic thinking of 2,300 donnish articles on Bromus secalinus accomplishment , particularly ones that included objective chess skill – such as the Elo rating – and a step of cognitive ability . It also break tidings down into separate types , such as comprehension , knowledge , short - term computer storage , processing stop number , numerical ability , visuospatial ability , verbal ability , and fluid abstract thought .
" cheat is probably the individual most studied world in inquiry on expertness , yet the evidence for the relationship between chess attainment and cognitive ability is mixed , " lead author Alexander Burgoyne said in astatement . " We analyzed a half - century Charles Frederick Worth of inquiry on tidings and chess game skill and establish that cognitive power lead meaningfully to individual differences in cheat acquisition . "
The written report found that chess acquisition correlate " positively and significantly"with most measures of cognitive ability . One of the most considerable correlation was with mathematical ability , which was much stronger linked than verbal ability or the ability toidentify visual and spatial relationships .
high cognitive ability was especially important for younger chess player or casual and low-spirited - level chess players . That said , it also found that practice can still play a meaningful role . Particularly among high - end participant , the deviation in intelligence became diminished , which hint that trained skill must encounter a ingredient .
" When it comes to expertise , grooming and practice for certain are a slice of the puzzle , " said Zach Hambrick , a Michigan State University psychology prof , in the statement . " But this study shows that , for chess game at least , intelligence is another piece of the puzzle . "
He added : “ think that a ace can become a skilled cheat role player comparatively easily , whereas a mortal with average intelligence may take longer . So the theme is , as you do more and develop more skills and noesis about the biz , you may be capable to circumvent limitations in cognitive power . ”
