Robert J. Sternberg
Elena L. Grigorenko
Michel Ferrari

This monograph explores the relationship between expertise and giftedness, and presents a model of intelligence as developing expertise. The argument, advancing that of Sternberg (1998), is that the traditional view of what intelligence is and of what intelligence tests measure may be incorrect. An alternative view is that of intelligence as developing expertise and intelligence tests as measuring an aspect—typically a limited aspect—of developing expertise. Developing expertise is defined here as the ongoing process of the acquisition and consolidation of a set of skills needed for a high level of mastery in one or more domains of life performance.

Reference:

Giftedness and Expertise
Robert J. Sternberg
Elena L. Grigorenko
Michel Ferrari
 

Conclusions

1. The traditional view of what intelligence is and of what intelligence tests measure may be incorrect; intelligence can be viewed as developing expertise and intelligence tests viewed as measuring an aspect of developing expertise.
2. Developing expertise is the ongoing process of the acquisition and consolidation of a set of skills needed for a high level of mastery in one or more domains of life performance.
3. The key to developing expertise is purposeful and meaningful engagement in a set of tasks relevant to the development of expertise, something of which any individual is capable in some degree.
4. The set of abilities assessed by conventional tests measures only a small portion of the kinds of expertise relevant for life success and not all cultures value equally the kinds of expertise measured by these tests.
5. When abilities are viewed as forms of developing expertise, there no longer is a clear distinction between abilities and deliberate practice.