Although many ways of doing research exist in education, mulch of the research conducted has focused on identifying or defining strategies to fit learners to existing theories of education and schooling. This article examines historical styles of research Conducted around the construct of gifted underachievement. It then explores possibilities of implementing alternative approaches and theoretical arguments in practical applications in this area. Goals include providing an overview of research focused on gifted underachievement, examining research positions (paradigms) that more vividly represent complexity inherent in educating gifted individuals, and providing precepts that guide practitioners and scholars to alternative views of the research process and use of research outcomes.
