Modeling mathematical Actiotopes: The potential role of CLARION

The challenges facing research into giftedness are considerable, including the lack of a clear meta-theoretical framework and agreement on terminology. If giftedness, in broad terms, refers to the interactions between complex patterns of actions, the psychological aspects of self and the social environment toward the attainment of achievement excellence, then it is not surprising that the study of giftedness presents a number of conceptual and practical difficulties. Using mathematical achievement as an example, this article explores the potential benefits and problems of modeling the Actiotope Model of giftedness using the cognitive architecture CLARION. In using simulation studies to explore giftedness, the meta-theoretical framework, including terminologies, is clearly defined, helping to direct future field studies using the more traditional methods of research. Copyright © 2009 International Research Association for Talent Development and Excellence.