Processing speed mediates the development of tech tilt and academic tilt in adolescence

Tilt represents a pattern of specific abilities and is based on within subject differences between two abilities, indicating strength in one ability (e.g., technical) weakness another academic). The current study examined age tilt, processing speed, general intelligence (g) adolescence for 13- to 17-year-olds. was measured using the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery technical (mechanical electrical) academic (math or verbal). These yielded tech tilt (technical > academic) (academic technical). Older ages correlated with greater faster speed. In addition, speed strongly mediated age-tilt relations. mediating effects (on relations) were partly related g. results supported investment theories, which assume that age-related increases accelerate acquisition produce tilt. Adding g model cascade boost g), turn Future research should examine different types factors influence such as developmental period specialization.