PROFILES OF GIFTEDNESS: AN INVESTIGATION OF THE DEVELOPMENT, INTERESTS, AND ATTITUDES OF 10 HIGHLY GIFTED INDIANA ADOLESCENTS

JERRY DAVID FLACK, Purdue University

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the childhood development patterns, school histories, interests, and attitudes of gifted adolescents in order to construct profiles which would be instructive to educators and parents concerned with the development and education of gifted youths. The investigation also sought to determine whether the experiences and interests of contemporary gifted youths were similar to those reported for gifted subjects in much earlier research. The research was exploratory. Null hypotheses were not stated. It was hoped the research would suggest further avenues for experimental research. The study was limited to gifted adolescents in Indiana. Subjects were selected from a talent pool of more than 4,000 Indiana youths who took the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) in 1982, when they were 14 years old or younger. The testing was done in conjunction with the Midwest Talent Search. The composite math and verbal scores for the subjects, among the 12 highest recorded composite scores found in the talent pool, ranged from 1250 to 1360. Ages of the subjects, at the time of the study, ranged from 12 to 15. An 80-item interview schedule was designed for the subjects and a standard interview schedule was also utilized with parents. Parents also completed a questionnaire form. Separate interviews were conducted with each subject and his/her parents during January and February 1983, following initial letter and phone contacts. All interviews took place in the subjects' homes and all interviews were taped. The results of the study suggested that contemporary gifted youths share many of the same developmental characteristics, interests, and school problems noted among gifted populations in previous investigations. The subjects in this study demonstrated early signs of precocity and wide-ranging interests. School boredom continued to be a problem for gifted students. Recommendations for the education of gifted students were made based on the research findings. Suggestions for additional research with the subjects and other gifted students were also offered.

Degree

Ph.D.

Subject Area

Special education

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