The Promise of Mathematical Precocity (2024)

The Complexity of Greatness: Beyond Talent or Practice

Scott Barry Kaufman (ed.)

Published online:

26 September 2013

Published in print:

22 May 2013

Online ISBN:

9780199345212

Print ISBN:

9780199794003

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The Complexity of Greatness: Beyond Talent or Practice

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Linda E. Brody

Linda E. Brody

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Pages

275–292

  • Published:

    May 2013

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Brody, Linda E., 'The Promise of Mathematical Precocity', in Scott Barry Kaufman (ed.), The Complexity of Greatness: Beyond Talent or Practice (2013; online edn, Oxford Academic, 26 Sept. 2013), https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199794003.003.0013, accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Abstract

Without the contributions made by great mathematicians, our world would be much less understood and most scientific breakthroughs and innovations would not have been possible. But what contributes to the development of greatness in mathematics? How much is determined by innate ability and how much to experiences, and which experiences are crucial? This chapter explores these questions, drawing especially from the lessons learned from 40 years of efforts by the Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth and university-based Talent Searches to identify and nurture mathematical talent. Longitudinal research and case studies of eminent young mathematicians support the validity of identifying precocious mathematical reasoning ability in middle school for predicting later achievement. But they also show the important roles played by other factors, particularly exposure to appropriately challenging coursework and other experiences that encourage those with exceptional potential to develop, not only the necessary skills, but a love for mathematics.

Keywords: mathematical talent, innovation, Study of Mathematically Precocious Youth, Talent Search

Subject

Cognitive Psychology Social Psychology

Collection: Oxford Scholarship Online

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