The Psychology of Abilities Competencies, and Expertise

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. Chapter authors (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 positions; (e) compare and contrast their positions to alternative position, showing why they believe their positions to be preferred; and (f) speculate on the implications of their viewpoints for science, education, and society. Contents
Preface
1. Trait Complexes, Cognitive Investment, and Domain Knowledge
2. Intelligence as Adaptive Resource Development and Resource Allocation: A New Look Through the Lenses of SOC and Expertise
3. Developing Childhood Proclivities into Adult Competencies: The Overlooked Multiplier Effect
4. The Search for General Abilities and Basic Capacities: Theoretical Implications for the Modifiability and Complexity of Mechanisms Mediating Expert Performance
5. On Abilities and Domains
6. Expertise and Mental Disabilities: Bridging the Unbridgeable?
7. The Early Progress of Able Young Musicians
8. Expertise, Competence, and Creative Ability: The Perplexing Complexitires
9. Biological Intelligence
10. What Causes Individual Differences in Cognitive Performance?
Index