Contribuições de estudos de caso para o avanço do conhecimento sobre superdotação

Abstract

There have been many advances in the understanding of the different facets of giftedness. These advances have resulted from research using numerous methods. However, there has been a greatly reduced number of published case studies, despite its suitability for investigation of individuals with exceptional abilities or performance. In addition, multiple case studies from a different group allow developing theories to explain the phenomenon in its complexity and richness. To illustrate this, two investigations are presented, they also are, broadly recognized for having expanded the knowledge of the area. The first, developed by Feldman with a sample of child prodigies, which resulted in the proposition of the theory of co-incidence. The second, developed by Reis, with eminent women, which resulted in the construction of the theory of female talent development. The first theory includes different factors associated to the emergence of wonders and the second, the conditions that enable exceptional achievements in women, these previously little known elements.