Innate talents: Reality or myth?

Author(s): Davidson, J. W., Sloboda, J. A.

Journal/Book: Behav Brain Sci. 1998; 21: 40 West 20TH Street, New York, NY 10011-4211. Cambridge Univ Press. 399.

Abstract: Talents that selectively facilitate the acquisition of high levels of skill are said to be present in some children but not others. The evidence for this includes biological correlates of specific abilities, certain rare abilities in autistic savants, and the seemingly spontaneous emergence of exceptional abilities in young children, but there is also contrary evidence indicating an absence of early precursors of high skill levels. An analysis of positive and negative evidence and arguments suggests that differences in early experiences, preferences, opportunities, habits, training, and practice are the real determinants of excellence.

Note: Review Howe MJA, Univ Exeter, Dept Psychol, Exeter EX4 4QG, Devon, ENGLAND

Keyword(s): exceptional ability; expertise; gift; innate capacity; music; potential; prodigy; specific ability; talent; INDIVIDUAL-DIFFERENCES; MEMORY; PERFORMANCE; REPRESENTATION; INTELLIGENCE; ABILITIES; MUSICIANS; EXPERT; YOUNG; PRECOCITY

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