# A genetic common factor underlying self-reported math ability and highest math class taken

## TL;DR

The study finds genetic factors linked to math ability and math class taken, separate from general intelligence.

## Contribution

Identifies a genetic common factor for quantitative ability distinct from general intelligence.

## Key findings

- 53 SNPs associated with a latent quantitative ability trait were identified.
- Genes near these SNPs are involved in neuron projection development and synaptic function.
- Genetic correlations show negative links with mental disorders and positive links with STEM occupations.

## Abstract

While genetic influences on general intelligence have been well documented, less is known about the genetics underlying narrower abilities (“group factors”). By applying structural equation modeling to results from several genome-wide association studies (GWAS), most critically of self-reported math ability (N = 564 698) and highest math class taken (N = 430 445), we identified 53 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with a latent trait, orthogonal by design with general intelligence, approximating the group factor of quantitative ability. The genes near these SNPs implicated the biological process of neuron projection development, and the genome-wide pattern of gene-set enrichment affirmed the involvement of brain development and synaptic function. We calculated a number of genetic correlations with this quantitative factor, finding negative associations with both internalizing and externalizing disorders and positive associations with STEM occupations such as computer programming. These results provide further evidence for genetic influences on traits other than general factors in human behavioral variation, point to the mechanisms mediating these genetic influences on quantitative ability and interests, and affirm the relationships of the latter traits with a number of real-world outcomes.