Mathematical Talent Identification Model based on Multiple Criteria Approach in gifted and talented students

The purpose of this study was to investigate the structure of mathematical talent based on the proposed model developed on multiple criteria approach. According to this approach, math talent is known as an evolutionary product of the interaction of cognitive, personality and environmental characteristics of individuals.

The present study was a descriptive, correlational one and Structural Equation Modeling was used for the data analysis. The study population included all students of exceptional talents middle schools, in the academic year 2018-2019, in Tehran. The required data were gathered using the online version of Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, Corsi Block-Tapping Test, Deary-Liewald Reaction Time Task, Self-Regulation Strategy Inventory, Mathematics Skills Self-Efficacy, Classroom Climate in the Mathematics Lesson, Fennema-Sherman Attitude Mathematics Scale, Test of the Three-Mathematical Minds and the first-semester math score of the students. A sample of 243 middle school students (8th grade) was selected by convenience sampling method.

The results showed that in this study cognitive variables had a significant effect on math talent, but the statistical effect of personality and environment variables was not confirmed. Also, the results showed that the effect of cognitive variables on environmental variables and the effect of environmental variables on personality variables were confirmed.

Given the fact that mathematical talent is a multidimensional construct, the identification of gifted and talented students requires different tools and multiple criteria.