摘要：From a perspective of research on expertise we argue that the analysis of practice and of the growth of social networks is a promising approach to assessing indicators of high ability. Both groups of variables jointly predict how subjects master critical changes or transitional periods in their careers. Although expert performance is frequently an individual matter, the development of expertise crucially depends on the presence of "persons in the shadow" who design practice patterns, direct the subjects' deliberate practice, and motivate them (often extrinsically). We present detailed analyses from the cases of highly successful professionals – a jazz guitarist, a consultant and a scientist – in order to show how individual and social aspects are combined in early expertise development. Thus, these aspects form the crucial components which have to be considered in the assessment of high abilities if an expertise approach is taken.
关键词：Assessment, Case study, Deliberate practice, Expertise, High ability, Persons in the shadow, Social network
