Applied growth mindset: Providing an application method and exploring decision-making

Abstract

Despite widespread acknowledgment of the benefits of a growth mindset, the disparity between awareness and application of a growth mindset is substantial. By providing a method for growth mindset users to routinely apply the concept, it is possible that a narrowing of this disparity may take place. The proposed method of applying a growth mindset is based on an open-minded, critical analysis of one’s mistakes through honest self-reflection, which may enhance a growth mindset from a belief into an active, applied process. Two pilot studies addressed the hypothesis that the practical application of a growth mindset in an academic setting is positively related to increased academic performance, reduced repetition of fundamental errors, and an increase in exploratory behavior during decision-making. The first pilot study explored the effects of providing a practical application method for a growth mindset in addition to a growth mindset intervention. The second pilot study delivered the same growth mindset intervention and application method in a scalable, online modality and, additionally, examined how mindsets affect exploratory decision-making. Initial findings suggest that students that are provided with a growth mindset application method may have a higher reduction in the repetition of errors. Further research is needed to identify interactions between mindsets, repetition of errors, and exploratory decision-making, as attrition resulted in underpowered sample sizes in these pilot studies.