In "The Secret to Raising Smart Kids," psychologist Carol Dweck asserts that intelligence is not fixed and can be developed through growth mindset. According to Dweck, people with a growth mindset believe that their abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort, while those with a fixed mindset believe that their abilities and intelligence are innate and cannot be changed.
One of the key arguments Dweck makes is that a growth mindset leads to greater motivation and improved performance. This is because people with a growth mindset believe that effort and hard work can lead to improvement, and thus they are more likely to put in the necessary effort to achieve their goals. On the other hand, people with a fixed mindset may avoid challenges and give up easily because they believe that their abilities are set and cannot be improved.
Dweck provides direct evidence to support her claim, citing studies that have shown a correlation between a growth mindset and improved motivation and performance. For example, she writes, "In one study, we asked students to explain their success on a difficult test. Those with a growth mindset attributed their success to hard work and strategies they used, while those with a fixed mindset attributed it to innate ability." This demonstrates that a growth mindset can lead to a more proactive and self-motivated approach to learning and success.
Moreover, Dweck argues that a growth mindset can be cultivated and developed over time, leading to greater motivation and improved performance. She writes, "We can help our children develop a growth mindset by praising them for their efforts and strategies, not just their abilities, and by encouraging them to approach challenges with a positive attitude." This suggests that by nurturing a growth mindset, individuals can become more motivated and improve their intelligence and abilities over time.
In conclusion, I believe that mind-set does affect motivation and intelligence. As demonstrated by Carol Dweck's research, a growth mindset leads to greater motivation and improved performance, while a fixed mindset can lead to decreased motivation and underachievement. By fostering a growth mindset and encouraging effort and hard work, individuals can improve their abilities and reach their full potential.