Acta Psychologica

How humans learn and become experts

It is of vital importance that the foundation of good practice is built upon strong theoretical perspectives and substantial empirical evidence. Thus, the advancement of understanding how we as humans learn is considered an integrated part of constructing evidence-based practice as an approach for learning and skill development across diverse educational arenas in e.g., schools, sports, arts, and business. Understanding the factors of importance in the pathway towards expertise (high level of skill) in different domains represents a potential window into foundational processes in how we learn and can potentially lead to the dissemination of general principles that can be applied and utilized in practice by anyone working for higher skill or knowledge.

The focus of the research topic is multidisciplinary empirical studies that address foundational aspects of the learning process toward skill or knowledge acquisition in different domains, with the aim of advancing principles that can be applied across diverse practice settings. Especial interest is upon studies that identify multi-dimensional factors that are of high importance in the development toward expertise.

In this research topic, studies should have clear theoretical framework(s), albeit these can be based upon potentially diverse biological, psychological, or educational perspectives. Studies that combine or integrate perspectives from separate domains are of special interest. The following are a non-comprehensive list of examples of relevant theory for the topic:

• Neural Networks Theory (e.g., the theory of neuronal-group selection)
• The theory of Deliberate Practice
• Psychological theory related to for example Flow, Self-efficacy, Passion, Grit, Perseverance, and Mindset
• Theory on individual differences and differential psychology

Empirical studies (original research) are especially warranted, although any type of article offered by Acta Psychologica will be considered.

Guest editors:

Hermundur Sigmundsson,
Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Filipe Manuel Clemente,
Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo

Håvard Wuttudal Lorås,
Norwegian University of Science and Technology

Ana Filipa Silva,
Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo

Manuscript submission information:

All interested researchers are invited to submit your manuscript at: 
https://www.editorialmanager.com/actpsy/Default.aspx

The Journal’s submission system is open for receiving submissions to our Special Issue. To ensure that all manuscripts are correctly identified for inclusion into the special issue, it is important to select “VSI: How humans learn and become experts” when you reach the “Article Type” step in the submission process.

• Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2026.

Keywords:

• Skill
• Development
• Learning process
• Training
• Achievement

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