Which term refers to a person with extraordinary skill in a narrow domain despite overall limitations?

• A. Latent learning
• B. Grit
• C. General intelligence (g)
• D. Savant syndrome

Answer: (D)

The concept being tested is the idea that someone can have an extraordinary skill in a very narrow area while facing limitations in other areas. This is savant syndrome. In savant syndrome, individuals show remarkable talent in a specific domain—such as exceptional musical ability, calendar calculations, memory, or artistic skill—yet have broader cognitive challenges or developmental differences, like autism, that limit performance in other areas. The defining feature is this clear separation: a highly developed talent in one corner of ability with weaknesses elsewhere. It’s not about learning that emerges only after reinforcement (latent learning), nor about a trait of persistent effort (grit), nor about broad general cognitive ability across many domains (general intelligence). Latent learning involves knowledge gained without conscious effort or reward becoming evident later, grit is about sustained perseverance, and general intelligence is about overall mental capacity. The distinctive pattern of a single, standout skill amid broader limitations is what makes savant syndrome the best fit.