Which of the following statements about expertise is most consistent with research in cognitive psychology?

• A. Expertise can be achieved quickly without focused effort.
• B. Deliberate practice is unnecessary to gain expertise.
• C. Expertise is solely determined by innate talent and not by practice.
• D. Deliberate practice is essential for developing expertise in most domains.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of expertise in cognitive psychology, which refers to the high level of skill or knowledge in a particular domain developed through experience and learning.
2. Recognize that research in cognitive psychology emphasizes the role of deliberate practice, which is focused, goal-oriented, and sustained effort aimed at improving performance.
3. Evaluate each statement by comparing it to empirical findings: expertise is not achieved quickly without effort, nor is it solely determined by innate talent without practice.
4. Identify that deliberate practice is essential because it helps individuals refine skills, correct errors, and build complex knowledge structures necessary for expertise.
5. Conclude that the statement 'Deliberate practice is essential for developing expertise in most domains' aligns best with cognitive psychology research on how expertise develops.