2.2: Growth vs. Fixed Mindset

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Dr. Carol Dweck, a researcher at Stanford University, introduced the concept of growth versus fixed mindsets in 2006.⁴ People with a fixed mindset believe that we are born with certain abilities and skills which cannot be changed or improved upon. In contrast, people with a growth mindset believe that with effort and persistence, we can increase our abilities and skills in any area.

The chart below demonstrates the differences between the fixed and growth mindsets:

Table - Fixed and Growth Mindsets
Fixed Mindset	Growth Mindset
I am so bad at biology, and I will never understand the subject.	I will get tutoring for my biology class this semester so that I can raise my test scores.
I am a horrible writer.	I will practice my writing daily and seek help from my instructor or the Writing Center to improve.
I have never been good with technology. I am going to fail this online class.	I am going to watch some tutorial videos so I understand how to navigate my online class better. If I still do not understand, I will ask my instructor.

In terms of our academic choices, knowing that we have control over most of our outcomes is freeing. When we do poorly on an exam or an assignment, we have the power to study more next time, seek out free tutoring or ask our instructor for help. Choosing these “growth” actions will help us to be successful students.

“Growth Mindset” by EmployID Academy is licensed under CC0

Creator vs. Victim Mindsets

Individuals with a growth mindset also are referred to as “Creators.” Creators demonstrate the following behaviors⁵:

Take responsibility for their actions
Get help from those more skilled
See failures as an opportunity to learn something new
When they fail, they try something new
Do not give up easily

In contrast, individuals with a fixed mindset are referred to as “Victims.” Victims demonstrate the following behaviors⁶:

Blame others for their actions
Give up when faced with challenges or obstacles
Focus on their weaknesses
Have self-sabotaging behaviors
Do not believe in themselves

⁴ Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success. New York: Random House.

⁵ Downing, S. (2008). On course: Strategies for creating success in college and in life. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co.

⁶Downing, S. (2008). On course: Strategies for creating success in college and in life. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co.