According to mindset theory, individuals either have a “growth mindset,” believing their intelligence can grow with effort, or a “fixed mindset,” believing that their intelligence is relatively stable.
Some earlier research findings have suggested that holding a growth mindset is beneficial and results in individuals having a greater propensity to try to overcome challenges. Meanwhile, holding a fixed mindset is thought to be detrimental, leading to a greater likelihood of giving up too easily when faced with a challenge, or even avoiding situations where they might be challenged.
These ideas have been widely circulated in the education community and have led to intervention programs designed to encourage the growth mindset in students.
August’s Science Café Cleveland features Assistant Professor of Psychological Sciences Brooke MacNamara, who recently tested the effectiveness of such interventions on academic achievement.
Her research indicated that these claims may have been overstated.
Learn more about her findings during her talk, titled “Controversies over whether students’ beliefs in the sources of intelligence influence their school achievements,” Monday, Aug. 13, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Music Box Supper Club (1148 Main Ave., Cleveland).
Case Western Reserve University’s chapter of Sigma Xi, WCPN ideastream and the Music Box Supper Club sponsor Science Café Cleveland.
Doors will open at 5:30 p.m and limited menu options will be available for purchase.
Learn more at case.edu/affil/sigmaxi/ScienceCafeCleveland.html.