Dr. Jonathan Wai
Research Scientist
Author, Psychology Today: Finding the Next Einstein

Research Description

Dr. Wai’s research program examines individual differences in the development of intellectual and creative talent across the lifespan from two vantage points. One perspective investigates variables that enhance talent development and the other investigates variables that detract from it. In his view, both approaches are needed to inform a greater understanding of the talent development process.  Within this framework are his central research questions: Why aren’t there more women in high level science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers and what makes some students more likely to succeed educationally than other students? Much research has been conducted using data from the general population focusing on individual subfields. Taking an interdisciplinary perspective, Dr. Wai’s research program expands this approach, leveraging data from right tail populations to explore how studies from multiple subfields using multiple methods might help view these questions in new light.

Education

Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Duke University
PhD and Master of Science, Psychology, Vanderbilt University
Master of Arts, Cognitive Psychology and Evaluation, Claremont Graduate University
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology and Mathematics, Claremont McKenna College

Selected Publications

Wai, J., & Putallaz, M. (in press). The Flynn effect puzzle: A 30-year examination from the right tail of the ability distribution provides some missing pieces. Intelligence.

Wai, J., Cacchio, M., Putallaz, M., & Makel, M. C. (2010). Sex differences in the right tail of cognitive abilities: A 30-year examination. Intelligence, 38, 412-423.

Wai, J., Lubinski, D., Benbow, C. P., & Steiger, J. H. (2010). Accomplishment in science technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and its relation to STEM educational dose: A 25-year longitudinal study. Journal of Educational Psychology, 102, 860-871.

Wai, J., Lubinski, D., & Benbow, C. P. (2009). Spatial ability for STEM domains: Aligning over fifty years of cumulative psychological knowledge solidifies its importance. Journal of Educational Psychology, 101, 817-835.

Halpern, D. F., & Wai, J. (2007). The world of competitive Scrabble: Novice and expert differences in visuospatial and verbal abilities. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied, 13, 79-94.

Wai, J., Lubinski, D., & Benbow, C. P. (2005). Creativity and occupational accomplishments among intellectually precocious youths: An age 13 to age 33 longitudinal study. Journal of Educational Psychology, 97, 484-492.