Increasing one's vocabulary increases one's income?

Question

I heard about studies at Harvard where, after studying hundreds of thousands of participants, that a person's store of words corresponds to their success in life and hence their income. The findings stated "without exception" Does this mean that you can go out and learn new words and expect your income to grow correspondingly?

Answer 1

i don't think so! i believe that success in life includes hardwork and perseverance. you may memorize the whole webster dictionary but if you do not work hard and persevere you will go nowhere. just my thoughts.

Answer 2

I found several web sites that do state that studies show that an increased vocabulary leads to an increased income. However, I found no site that attempted to quantify the results.

Below is a snip from one such study.

While there is a demonstrated relationship between income and vocabulary development, it is important to note that other factors such as parental education, reading habits, and participation in early childhood activities are also important in influencing the vocabulary development of children.

Answer 3

haha. No I don't think you can just learn new words and then get a raise the next day.

But the study seems pretty obvious - more educated people tend to have a greater vocabulary (on average), and more education generally means greater job advancement and pay.

But the study does not account for skilled trades, which don't necessarily require a huge vocabulary but are really good paying & respected jobs.

Answer 4

Knowledge is power, the more skill/s we learn through vocabulary, the more opportunity are open to us, therefore sure income can grow correspondingly.

Answer 5

From my life's experience, I do not think so. But I do feel the other way around could be true. If you do not have a good vocabulary it will hurt your chances of getting and keeping a good paying job.

Answer 6

Learning anything, including new words is improvement. When you improve yourself, you can (hopefully) expect to be compensated. Having an extensive vocabulary helps in communication and composition.

Answer 7

I would assume you would have to take your new, stellar vocabulary and go on job interviews to get a better paying job. Unless, of course, you can use your new powers to wow your boss and get a raise.