Conclusions

Recent research regarding the effects of birth order have dealt solely with quantifiable ideas like eventual economic success, intelligence levels, and success in athletic contests (Argys et al. 2006).  This study, however, focuses on the value of motivation which is much more difficult, if not impossible, to quantify.  Evidence from studies regarding quantifiable concepts combined with student interviews at the University of Notre Dame has shown that on average, older children are more likely to experience higher levels of motivation relative to their siblings.  This can be attributed to things such as greater parental attention, intellectual environment and the use of adult language, parental expectations, and financial resources.

These findings are in agreement with the majority of the research that has been done in areas of achievement and development that motivation can affect.  As mentioned above, it has been shown that on average, as a child is born earlier into a family, he or she is more likely to have greater economic success, be successful in sports, and score better on tests used to indicate general levels of intelligence (Argys et al. 2006).  The student interviews also support the idea that the effects of birth order can be attributed to factors such as parental attention, parental expectations, financial resources, and an environment of adult language (Price 2006, Zajonc 1976).

One must remember, however, that there is no "perfect" way to raise a family.  But rather each method is unique in the way that children are able to grow and develop as human beings.
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