Dweck's Intelligence Theory

The Effect of Dweck 's Theory of Intelligence on Achievement Motivation Childhood is a key developmental stage for psychologists to study. Children endure many different changes and every characteristic of the child has an affect on shaping the child 's view of intelligence. Carol Dweck 's research on self-attributions and entity versus incremental view of intelligence plays a fundamental role in children 's motivation and achievement. According to Ahmavaara and Houston (2007), Dweck’s entity theory of intelligence is the belief that intelligence is a fixed entity that cannot be changed. A belief in fixed intelligence increases the child’s concerns about how clever they are, creates anxiety about challenges and makes failure into a …show more content…
A belief that intelligence can be increased through effort creates a desire for learning and generates a mind-set where obstacles are viewed as natural part of learning process. Children with an incremental view are less likely to blame failure for lack of intelligence. They ofteen seem to seek the most challenges and show the most persistance (Ahmavaara & Houston, 2007). Children who possess an incremental belief about the nature of ability are assumed to encourage adaptive responses and to use strategies that are aimed at solving the problem (Doron, Stephan, Boiche, Le Scanff, 2009). Evidently, it is importrant to have a incremental view of intelligence in order for children to be motivated for …show more content…
Controlled children tend to rely on others to provide them with the encouragment to achieve (Koestner & Zuckerman, 1994). When a child is constantly being controlled by their parents, they have no chance to grow on their own and develop their own aspirations. As a result, the child will simply complete tasks blindly with no personal motive. When children are given their independence they believe that they are competent (Koestner & Zuckerman, 1994). When a parent gives a child independence, they begin to beleive they are capable, improving the child’s self-concept. Having a postive self- concept is essential for the child to feel the need to be better and set goals for themselves. It is important that the child feels supported in their independence (Koestner & Zuckerman, 1994). Giving the child a sense of security is essential in order for the child to explore without being afraid. The child’s exploration is important as it gives them a sense of their surroundings and a chance to develop aspirations. Undoubtedly, children who were autonomous demonstrated an incrememntal view, exhibiting perserverance even after