In this post
It has long been debated as to whether or not cognitive traits, such as intelligence, are fixed or whether they can be flexible, dependent upon several key factors, such as learning, effort, training and practice. Carol Dweck proposed a theory to try and decipher whether an individual’s beliefs about their abilities were fixed because they are innate and therefore unchangeable or whether individuals believed that they could change, for example such as by practice.
What is a fixed mindset?
A ‘mindset’ is an established set of attitudes that an individual possesses. A ‘fixed’ mindset therefore, means that an individual does not believe that their abilities can change. This may be because they feel that their intelligence or talents have been inherited or, for example, they may believe that if their parents did not excel academically, neither will they. A fixed mindset also has people believe that any form of talent or skill is inherited and therefore does not need to be worked on as it will not get better nor will it diminish. Individuals who have a fixed mindset do not cope well with failure because they do not believe that they have the capacity to overcome this because what they already possess in terms of intelligence or talent cannot be changed.
What is a growth mindset?
Those individuals who have a growth mindset, on the other hand, believe the talents and skills can be practised and made better. They believe that although brains and talent are important, dedication and hard work can mean the talents can be improved. ‘Practice makes perfect’ is one of the beliefs of an individual who has a growth mindset. Those individuals who have a growth mindset are also likely to enjoy learning and become more resilient because they are not deterred if they fail and will simply try again until they succeed.
Where do ability and effort come into the theory?
The theory proposes that with ability and effort, individuals are able to build on their existing talents and knowledge and that with appropriate praise, they will be able to get better and they will be able to achieve more. Dweck argues that those people who try to get better at something rather than ‘stagnating’ are more likely to live a less stressful and more successful life.
Strengths of the theory
- Employers consistently use the growth mindset theory in order to develop their employees, which is very motivating as it encourages employees to get better within their role
- Children who are given praise about their abilities and effort will continue to develop as they grow older because this will help them to develop a growth mindset
- The theory is applicable in many areas of life such as education, business and sport
- Much of the research has been carried out in a natural setting, which reflects real life (or has better ecological validity) rather than research that has been carried out in laboratories.
Weaknesses of the theory
- There is not always a link between effort and outcome, as many people who practise a task will not become efficient at it
- The outcomes for some children will very much depend on their own environment. For example, it may be argued that children who come from a more privileged background will have better opportunities to improve at something than those who do not, for example the use of a private tutor
- There is no real evidence which shows that academic achievement in school is linked to either fixed or a growth mindset
