Racial Identity, Centrality and Giftedness: An Expectancy-Value Application of Motivation in Gifted African American Students

Abstract

This article explores the interaction between racial and ethnic identity, racial centrality, and giftedness and then uses an expectancy-value motivation model as a framework for understanding how the interplay among racial identity, centrality, and giftedness contributes to the motivation of African American gifted students. The analysis begins by defining racial and ethnic identity and discussing their relationship to racial centrality. Next, the interactions among racial and ethnic identity, centrality, and some socio-emotional aspects associated with giftedness are examined. An expectancy-value model then provides a framework for understanding how race centrality, racial/ethnic identity, and giftedness influence the motivational patterns of gifted African American students. Suggestions for future research are provided.