The Predictability of IQ on Delinquency: A Structural Equation Model (SQM)

Abstract

Long years of studies on IQ and delinquency have generated competing explanations. In this study, to test these competing explanations, we revisited Wolfgang et al. 's (1973) birth cohort dataset of 9,944 boys whose ages ranged between 10 and 18 years old. We conducted a Structural Equation Model (SQM) by using an SPSS AMOS software. This model enabled us to see the strength of the direct and indirect relationship between endogenous and exogenous variables as well as total effects on delinquency. Overall results suggest that environmental variables significantly affect the relationship between IQ and delinquency through schooling time. To be more specific, the direct impact of IQ level on offense is weak and ignorable, and indirect effects through schooling length and socio-economic status are insignificant.