Do Old Theories Die Hard? A Systematic Review of Overexcitabilities in Gifted Research

• In Event: Thursday Roundtable Session 4:20 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Research on Giftedness, Creativity, and Talent SIG Roundtable: Psychosocial Factors and Engagement (Table 18)

Abstract

Since overexcitabilities’ presence in gifted literature, scholars have internationally conducted numerous studies to test whether the presence of overexcitabilities has empirical support (Siu, 2010; Yakmaci-Guzel & Akarsu, 2006; Yoon & Moon, 2009). Due to many issues with statistical research design such as the lack of effect size in reporting, researchers have downplayed their results. With this background in mind, I conducted a systematic review using a Critical Interpretive Synthesis (CIS) Approach (Dixon-Woods et al., 2006) of all literature currently available on overexcitabilities to explore their implications for equity in gifted education. Results showed a majority of low quality studies and an exclusion of Black and Brown students. Implications for the field will be discussed.

Author

• Cristina Worley, Intrepid College Prep Schools