One study showed that the brain activity of those with a growth mindset showed that those with a fixed mindset show greater electrical activity when presented with an error (see PET scans at point 2:33 of the video clip above), whilst those with a fixed mindset presented hardly any activity at all.

Fixed mindset people tend to “run from the error” and criticisms, and don’t give themselves the prospect of being able to challenge their abilities, which they deem to be established.

Growth mindset refers to being able to engage with errors and see one’s ability to learn from unsuccessful outcomes.

From this she coined the concepts of fixed mindset vs. Some really embraced the challenge whilst others already set themselves up for failure.

Dweck conducted a study with 10-year-olds providing them with slightly challenging tasks.

This simple phrase essentially provided them with the knowledge that although they haven’t met the required standards yet, they can by learning from their mistakes.

In a school in Chicago pupils were provided with the statement of “ Not Yet” written on their papers, rather than being provided with an inadequate grade.

The Power of Yet – TedTalk by Carol Dweck:

Known for her study in mindset, particularly regarding success and failure within education.

Key areas of study: personality, development and motivation.

She is an American professor of psychology with focus in social and developmental psychology.

That way, you can choose your preference! Endless TedTalks can get a bit tedious when you’re a student, but so can reading! I suggest you give it a watch, but I know TedTalks aren’t for everyone so I have also summarised each of the points the speaker mentions below. The purpose of this was to explore what makes a good presentation, but I’m not going to talk about presentations today.Īs someone who is interested in educational and developmental psychology, I found this so intriguing, so I thought I’d share it with you all. (The psychology one will be up a week today, so please come back then!)Īround mid-way through Term 2, we were set a task in our tutor groups to select a psychology related TedTalk and provide a verbal presentation of the key concepts and points explored within it. I know that I said that my psychology at Warwick post would be next, but considering that my last 2 posts were quite full on, I thought that it would be a good idea to take a break from the university posts.

Carol s dweck ted talk