"While the results may seem self-serving, the researchers did draw upon a huge dataset collected by Higher Education Research Institute with records from over a half a million U.S. undergraduates spanning 800 institutions. The data included results from standardized tests such as the SAT, LSAT, and GRE and two surveys. The first survey, Habits of Mind, measured traits such as curiosity, intellectual rigor, and intellectual humility. The second, Pluralistic Orientation, measured open-mindedness."
"First, the researcher found that students who are already strong thinkers may be more inclined to take philosophy classes to begin with. They found that a one standard deviation increase in SAT verbal corresponded with a 57% increased chance of majoring in philosophy. Similarly, a one standard deviation increase in freshman year scores for Habits of Mind and Pluralistic Orientation was associated with a 34% and 13% (respectively) increased chance of majoring in philosophy."
Data from over a half million U.S. undergraduates across 800 institutions were analyzed, including SAT, LSAT, and GRE scores plus two surveys: Habits of Mind and Pluralistic Orientation. Higher SAT verbal, Habits of Mind, and Pluralistic Orientation freshman-year scores increased the likelihood of majoring in philosophy by about 57%, 34%, and 13% respectively. SAT math showed no significant relationship with choosing philosophy. After controlling for SAT and freshman measures, philosophy majors scored significantly higher than non-philosophy majors on GRE verbal (about 33 points higher) and also outperformed on the LSAT. Findings point to both selection effects and measurable verbal/reasoning advantages associated with philosophy majors.
Read at Fast Company
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