<p>I think it’s a mistake to consider this study a vindication of the benefits of being popular and social (and maybe less academic as a result) as compared to being less socially engaged due to being more studious. The social skills the article refers to are really better labeled work habits. The three qualities mentioned are conscientiousness, motivation and cooperation. I’m not convinced the first two correlate with how socially adept a student is. As for the ability to cooperate, it makes sense that there is a relationship between that skill and participation in sports and other EC’s. However, there are plenty of kids whom teacher will rate as cooperative and “relates well with others” but yet are not at all social butterflies.</p>
<p>PS: there are quite a few very nasty girls on my D’s sports team who do NOT know how to work well with others, so there is not necessarily a correlation there either IMO.</p>