The article puts special emphasis on the necessity of giving a scientifically grounded definition to such a concept as «giftedness». By taking a retrospective look on the problem the author reveals reasons why the perception of giftedness as «intellect above average» is so widespread. Determining a unit of analysis of giftedness (i.e. ability to develop activity on one’s own initiative) and creating a method for its measurement («systematic observation») made it possible to realize F. galton’s concept of giftedness.

The present paper discusses contemporary problems and approaches to the development of assessments in domains of educational psychology and psychology of abilities. We briefly report the results of the development and the adaptation of two assessment batteries based on R. Sternberg’s theory of successful intelligence. The paper shows that a cross-cultural adaptation of contemporary foreign assessments is a productive approach.