Revisionist History

Outliers, Revisited

17 snips
Sep 15, 2022
Did Malcolm Gladwell miss the mark in his analysis of success? A fascinating experiment with Wharton students reveals how privilege impacts opportunities, particularly in sports and education. The discussion dives into age advantages, showing how birth timing can lead to significant disparities. Innovative assessments in athletics showcase a need for maturity-based approaches, urging a reevaluation of traditional metrics of success. Ultimately, it emphasizes the critical role of supportive systems in shaping achievement.
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ANECDOTE

Outliers and the Relative Age Effect

  • Malcolm Gladwell revisits his book Outliers, reflecting on the "relative age effect" in hockey.
  • This effect explains how an initial, arbitrary advantage (like birth month) can become a real advantage over time.
ANECDOTE

The Unchanged Landscape of Canadian Hockey

  • Despite research highlighting the relative age effect, Canadian hockey still hasn't addressed it.
  • This leads to significant talent loss, as later-born players are overlooked.
ANECDOTE

Relative Age Effect in English Basketball

  • Adam Kelly found that players born in the first quarter of the year were ten times more likely to be selected for talent centers in English basketball.
  • This demonstrates the relative age effect's impact beyond hockey.
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