Development - Blackwell et al (2007)

Question 1

Blackwell theory link

Answer 1

Testing Dweck’s mindset theory - does growth mindset lead to more progress?

Question 2

Design/method

Answer 2

Longitudinal correlational study

(Study 2 has experimental section)

Question 3

Variables

Answer 3

1. Both studies = Mindset (measured by motivational questionnaire)
2. Both studies = Maths achievement
3. IV for Study 2 = type of intervention (mindset or memory)
4. DV for Study 2 = teacher reports of student class behaviours

Question 4

Sample Study 1

Answer 4

Around 400 students, aged 11-14, from a New York secondary school

Question 5

Sample Study 2

Answer 5

Around 100 students, aged 11-14, from a different New York secondary school

Question 6

Procedure Study 1

Answer 6

1. In 6th grade, students took a maths test
2. In 7th grade, they completed the Motivational Questionnaire, and took a maths test
3. In 8th grade, they took a maths test

Question 7

Findings Study 1

Answer 7

Positive relationship between growth mindset and improvement in maths scores
(No relationship between mindset and the scores themselves, i.e. growth mindset students didn’t score higher)

Question 8

Procedure Study 2

Answer 8

1. In 6th grade, students took a Maths test
2. In 7th grade, they completed the Motivational Questionnaire
3. In 7th grade, they were randomly assigned to one of two eight-week workshops - one about mindset, one about memory
4. After the workshops, they took a multiple-choice knowledge test on what they had learned.
   They completed the Motivational Questionnaire again.
   Maths teachers reported their behaviours in class.
   And they did a Maths test again.

Question 9

Findings Study 2

Answer 9

Students in ‘mindset’ intervention group changed their mindset over time

Students in ‘mindset’ intervention group demonstrated more positive motivation in class

Students in ‘mindset’ intervention group improved their maths scores more

There was no difference in the multiple-choice knowledge test scores.

Question 10

Evaluation

Answer 10

1. Low population validity - age bias, culture bias
2. Low construct validity - it only measured maths scores, whereas mindset might vary across subjects
3. In Study 1, it was only correlational, so they couldn’t say that mindset causes improvement in maths scores.