A Network Model of Expertise

Abstract

In this article, the author proposes a dynamic, interdisciplinary, network conception of expertise that differs from conventional static, linear conceptions. Using a range of graphic images, the author propose specific visualizations of this network conception of expertise. First, he discusses attempts to pin expertise down in a definition. Then he considers the network of notions from which expertise emerges. The author briefly describes representative nodes in the network, such as experience and excellence. He concludes with the view that there is no need to compromise the many existing conceptions of expertise by forcing them into a false common ground. Instead, he shows that existing accounts of expertise can be better understood by viewing them as connected parts of a complex network.

The JourneyIsthe Destination: Reconsidering the Expert Sports Coach

“…In this sense, expertise is always a process of becoming (Nunn, 2008), a never-ending journey of ongoing professional discovery. The great American basketball coach John Wooden seemed to be alluding to this when he suggested, "It is what you learn after you know it all that counts" (Wooden & Jamison, 1997, p. 198).…”

“…The great American basketball coach John Wooden seemed to be alluding to this when he suggested, "It is what you learn after you know it all that counts" (Wooden & Jamison, 1997, p. 198). Thus, Nunn (2008) suggests that expertise is never fully mastered, such that the journey is the destination.…”

“…From this perspective, expertise might be viewed as more contingent and adaptive than previously appreciated; an ongoing journey, rather than a realisable destination. As such, discussions surrounding coaching expertise could benefit from engaging with models of expertise that recognize the complex, non-linear, temporary, dynamic, contextual, and cyclical nature of expertise redevelopment (Nunn, 2008). A model conforming to this description will be presented in the following section.…”

“…Full expertise in this view is at best temporary, if not unattainable (Nunn, 2008). As such, the MER provides a contrasting representation and conceptualization of expertise when compared to that of the linear staged model that has traditionally dominated discussions of expertise in the coaching literature.…”

The Importance of Being Expert: A Multi-Method Approach to Modeling Expert Cognition in Naturalistic Environments

“…Furthermore, these models tend not to capture the close coupling of the expert with the environment; the agents are typically distillations of rationality (and perhaps some set of heuristics or simplified cognitive mechanisms) in a simplified environment. Dreyfus, 1991;Nowotny, 2003;Selinger & Crease, 2007), interviews (Bogner, Littig, & Menz, 2009;Dorussen, Lenz, & Blavoukos, 2005), social network models (Nunn, 2008;Jun Zhang, Ackerman, & Adamic, 2007), and historical research (see historiometric methods, below).…”