When my oldest took Explore through our talent search (not NUMATS), we had to check a box saying we would allow a survey to be given regarding academic interests. I don't recall the exact wording. I would think if NUMATS asked you when you signed up, that would constitute consent. If not, I agree that's wrong.
Historically, the talent searches grew out of social psychologists trying to study gifted kids. As I understand it, that was Julian Stanley's original mission at JHU. The head of our talent search is a psychology professor, and has published quite a bit of research from the data gathered through the talent search.
Hopefully, this research will help educators understand our kids. I'm all for it. I agree consent is an issue.
