Describes a system of categories to subdivide the gifted and talented population into the following more homogeneous subgroups: mild, moderate, high, exceptional, and extreme. Based on the metric system, each of the five levels, including the minimum threshold, selects the top 10% of the previous level. (Author/CR)

This study investigated the relationship between giftedness and conservation of weight based on Piaget's theory of intelligence. A total of 56 gifted and 72 nongifted children (ages 114-150 months) were tested on a series of tasks designed to measure conservation of weight. (MS)

The study compared the problem solving strategies of intellectually gifted (N=133), average (N=102) and mentally retarded (N=51) children on two-dimensional integration problems. Gifted children tended to integrate dimensional information by addition, average children used lexicographic strategies, and retarded children relied on a single…

The percentage of variance in achievement accounted for by IQ greatly decreased as the subgroups became more removed from the mean IQ for the sample. Results suggest that definition and placement decisions based on IQ be reconsidered for populations whose mean IQ is substantially above or below the average IQ. (DB)

This article explores the current trend to dismiss general intelligence in favor of multiple intelligences in identifying gifted students. Advantages of the IQ test in identifying exceptionally gifted students who have unique educational and socio-emotional needs and the curricular implications of the general intelligence focus are discussed.…

Discusses the different characteristics that are often lumped together under the multidimensional term "giftedness." The origins of the term, the contributions of individual psychologists and others in identifying gifted students, and the life outcomes of mathematically and/or verbally precocious youth identified by talent searches are examined.…

A study involving boys (grades 4-7) who were highly gifted (n=18), low gifted (n=17), had learning disabilities (n=26), and were typical (n=26), found highly gifted boys exhibited levels of behavioral problems similar to those with learning disabilities, whereas low gifted boys had lower levels than boys with learning disabilities. (Contains…

This article discusses how giftedness is currently defined and presents an alternative view based on a balance theory of wisdom. The theory is described as a useful way of conceptualizing wisdom. Sources of differences in wisdom and the need for development of wisdom as a form of giftedness are addressed. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

This article explores what the concept of intellectual character offers that traditional views of intelligence based on abilities do not. The origins of the concept of thinking dispositions are traced and various views regarding the dispositions that might comprise and define one's intellectual character are investigated. Educational implications…

This article explains how the theory of the motivated mind conceptualizes the productive interaction of intelligence, creativity, and achievement motivation and how this theory can help educators to maximize students' emergent potential for giftedness. It discusses the integration of cold-order thinking and hot-chaotic thinking into fluid-adaptive…

This paper considers the role of intelligence in lifetime achievement, noting the importance not only of general cognitive ability but also abilities not measured by standardized intelligence tests. It urges educators of the gifted to utilize their knowledge of intelligence and talent development to challenge the one-dimensional conception of…

This introductory article examines how intelligence theory influences the way we identify and assess students, our attitudes toward giftedness and gifted students, the models upon which we base our programs and interventions, and many other aspects of gifted education. Past, present, and emerging intelligence theories are discussed. (Contains…

This article describes a continuum of definitions of giftedness from conservative to liberal and discusses how these definitions relate to the development of the 3-ring conception of giftedness. In this definition, above average ability, task commitment, and creativity are seen as 3 interactive clusters of traits that gifted students may exhibit.…

This article examines psychometric analysis regarding the viability and limits of IQ testing in the context of "The Bell Curve." It discusses eyeball analysis versus item analysis, mean differences, validity coefficients, general intelligence, and IQ and gifted education, and urges a search for intrapersonal and environmental catalysts…

This issue of a research journal on gifted education examines a number of research projects that delve into questions of how family life affects intelligence, especially among gifted children. Specific articles include: (1) "Are We Raising Smarter Children Today?" (Wendy M. Williams), which discusses the effects of school-related factors…