Differentiation of giftedness and talent
Often the terms 'gifted' and 'talented' are joined together as 'gifted and talented'. Sometimes the term 'G/T' is used to express this single-concept approach.
Where the term is differentiated, giftedness is usually associated with high intelligence or aptitude, whereas talent is usually related to a high level of performance in such areas as music, art, craft, dance, or sport.
Gagné (1996) has argued consistently, however, for differentiating the two terms by claiming that giftedness relates more to aptitude domains (intellectual, creative, socio-affective, perceptual/motor) while talent is associated more with outstanding achievements in a variety of fields of human endeavour (academic, technical, artistic, interpersonal, and athletic fields).
Catalysts
Gagné claims that catalysts such as motivation, personality traits, or education mediate the transition from giftedness to talent. Catalysts make it happen. Gagné claims that there are two broad groups of catalysts.
The first group are intrapersonal catalysts, such as:
- physical (health)
- psychological (motivation, volition, personality).
The second group are environmental catalysts, such as:
- surroundings (physical, social)
- people (parents, teachers, peers, mentors)
- undertakings (activities, courses, programmes)
- events (encounters, awards, accidents).
Gagné links talent to excellence and outstanding performance. Talent is reserved for a minority of individuals from a larger pool of competent people.