What are mindsets?
The idea of mindsets was developed by Professor Carol Dweck of Standford University in the 1980s. She explored how perceptions of intelligence influence behaviour in educational settings. Her study of secondary school pupils revealed two distinct sets of perceptions, which she termed ‘mindsets’.
Pupils with a fixed mindset regarded intelligence as innate and unchangeable, fixed from birth. They tended to
- choose courses and assignments that seemed like safe options
- worry about the possibility of failure
- be concerned that other people would see them as less intelligent
- find it difficult to ask for help or feedback.
Pupils with a growth mindset believed that intelligence could be cultivated and developed through effort and persistence. These pupils tended to
- actively seek out new challenges
- welcome opportunities for intellectual development
- respond positively to feedback
- feel comfortable in asking for help.
Dweck discovered that pupils with a growth mindset performed better in their studies and made more academic progress than their peers with a fixed mindset. In other words, people who believe in personal growth achieve better results than those who feel that their intelligence is unalterable.
For more information
- Mindset: The New Psychology of Success – link to a podcast interview with Carol Dweck about her book.