Multipotentiality is an educational and psychological term for the ability and preference of a person, particularly one of strong intellectual or artistic curiosity, to excel in two or more different fields, or for a person whose interests span multiple fields or areas rather than being concentrated in one; such a person has been called a multipotentialite, in contrast to a specialist, whose interests lie mostly within a single field.
Facts
Core ClaimMultipotentiality names the ability and preference of a person with strong intellectual or artistic curiosity to excel across two or more different fields at once, rather than concentrating ability and interest in a single specialist field. 1 FAQs
Is a multipotentialite the same as a polymath?
A multipotentialite has potential across several fields; a polymath has mastery in them.
No. The terms are often used interchangeably, but they are not identical. A multipotentialite is someone with potential in several fields because of diverse interests and attempts, and need not be an expert in any particular field. A polymath is distinguished by mastery and expertise in several fields. In that sense multipotentialites can be viewed as potential polymaths.
Sources
1. Wikipedia
Wikimedia Foundation- Core Claim: Multipotentiality names the ability and preference of a person with strong intellectual or artistic curiosity to excel across two or more different fields at once, rather than concentrating ability and interest in a single specialist field.
- Origin Year: 1972
Multipotentiality (Wikipedia)
Multipotentiality, lead section (core claim)
Multipotentiality is an educational and psychological term referring to the ability and preference of a person, particularly one of strong intellectual or artistic curiosity, to excel in two or more different fields.
Multipotentiality, Etymology section (origin)
In 1972, R.H. Frederickson et al. defined a multipotentialed person as someone who, "when provided with appropriate environments, can select and develop a number of competencies to a high level".
View the SourceReader Challenges (0)
No disputes yet. Spotted an error or a better source? Open the first one.
Sign in to dispute this or suggest a correction.