Conspicuous talent does not reliably succeed on its own; success requires physical energy and willpower that gifted individuals often lack¶

Claim · All claims
Evidence · 1 study · theoretical r2 · q1
Currency · newest study 1910 · not yet checked against its sources · not reviewed by a person

Subclaims¶

q1 i? The belief that conspicuous talent succeeds by its own strength is unsound: success requires great physical energy and strength of will, qualities often present only slightly in exceptionally talented individuals, so the talent may be wasted. → William Stern 1910

Evidence¶

William Stern 1910¶

William Stern. (1910). The Supernormal Child. The Journal of Educational Psychology. https://archive.org/search?query=Journal+of+Educational+Psychology

q1 · i? · theoretical · r2

Theoretical argument in the individual phase of the problem. Stern rejects the commonplace that talent succeeds unaided, noting we know only talents that attained success and there is no record of potential greatness that failed of fruition. The article presents this as argument, not tested evidence.

"Success requires, above all, great physical energy and strength of will, and these qualities may often be found in but a slight degree with exceptional talent, so that there is always danger that the talent may be wasted."

Discussion¶

Learner Variables¶

• General Cognitive Ability — predictor: learners who differ on it differ in outcomes

Related Claims¶

• Beliefs about action and willpower, shaped by discussion, causally alter behaviour such as cheating and persistence — related
• Extracurricular involvement and adult mentorship are associated with reversal of gifted underachievement — related