The Psychology of Abilities, Competencies, and Expertise

Cambridge University Press
Edition: Illustrated, 6/23/2003
EAN 9780521809887, ISBN10: 0521809886

Hardcover, 294 pages, 23.1 x 15.5 x 2.3 cm
Language: English
Originally published in English

The goal of this book is to characterize the nature of abilities, competencies, and expertise, and to understand the relations among them. The book therefore seeks to integrate into a coherent discipline what formerly have been, to a large extent, three separate disciplines. Such integration makes both theoretical and practical sense, because abilities represent potentials to achieve competencies, and ultimately, expertise. Authors of each chapter (a) present their views on the nature of abilities, competencies, and expertise; (b) present their views on the interrelationships among these three constructs; (c) state their views on how these three constructs can be assessed and developed; (d) present empirical data supporting their position; (e) compare and contrast their position to alternative positions, showing why they believe their position to be preferred; and (f) speculate on the implications of their viewpoint for science, education, and society.

Preface Robert J. Sternberg
1. Trait complexes, cognitive investment and domain knowledge Philip Ackerman and Margaret E. Beier
2. Intelligence as adaptive resource development and resource allocation
a new look through the lenses of SOC and expertise Ralf T. Krampe and Paul B. Baltes
3. Developing childhood proclivities into adult competencies
the overlooked multiplier effect Stephen Ceci, Susan M. Barnett and Tamoe Kanaya
4. The search for general abilities and basic capacities
theoretical implications from the modifiability and complexity of mechanisms mediating expert performance Anders Ericsson
5. On abilities and domains Michael W. Connell, Kimberly Sheridan and Howard Gardner
6. Expertise and mental disabilities
bridging the unbridgeable? Elena L. Grigorenko
7. The early progress of able young musicians Michael J. A. Howe and J. W. Davidson
8. Expertise, competence, and creative ability
the perplexing complexities Dean K. Simonton
9. Biological intelligence Robert J. Sternberg
10. What causes individual differences in cognitive performance? Richard E. Mayer.