The expert performance approach championed by Ericsson et al. provides a scientific way forward for research on giftedness, and offers exciting new ways to further one's understanding of the determinants of high ability within a particular domain of expertise. While the methods the authors use are commendable and are likely to further one's understanding of the nature of expertise, Kaufman questions whether they offer the most complete way to investigate the role of domain-general mechanisms (whether or not they are innate) in the acquisition of domain-specific expertise. In this article, Kaufman argues the following: (1) Not all domains of expertise are alike; (2) Ericsson et al. are quite right in questioning the extent to which general cognitive ability constrains the ability to acquire expertise; and (3) Ericsson et al.'s methods don't allow for a complete understanding of the domain-general learning mechanisms that support skill acquisition. (Contains 1 note.)